Friends,

Memorial Day 2020 looks different this year as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, as Americans, we have a duty to honor our fallen servicemen and women who sacrificed everything to safeguard the freedoms we enjoy today.

Watch a short Memorial Day Message from me here.

We may not be able to have large gatherings or parades, but there are still other great ways to honor our friends and loved ones who have been lost to battle. I encourage you all to lift up their stories today on social media or the Veterans History Project with the Library of Congress. Photographs, letters, diaries, military papers and more can be submitted to the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress at http://www.loc.gov/vets/.

I also want to share how I’m focusing on our veterans during this challenging time. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I helped develop and enact coronavirus response legislation that has equipped the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with $20 billion for equipment, tests, and support services for veterans, and $60 million so the VA can cover COVID-19 testing.

In addition, the Heroes Act passed by the House on May 15, and now pending in the Senate, includes several provisions that recognize veterans’ unique needs:

Of course, this public health crisis is constantly changing. That’s why we are in constant communication with VA leadership and have put together a resource page for veterans. You can check back here for updates as they become available.

I hope you have a happy, safe, and healthy Memorial Day. Today and every day, let us keep the memory of our fallen servicemembers alive.

Be safe and well,