Happy Fourth of July, John!

It's an honor to represent a district with one of the largest communities of veterans and armed service members in the country -- but today, that responsibility takes on greater significance.

As one of the first women to spend the entirety of my naval career on combatant ships, that service meant long periods of time away from my home and loved ones. So, as I celebrate our country’s 244th birthday at home, I’ll also be thinking about those who are sacrificing time with their own families to serve our nation.

But our service members and their families deserve more than just our thoughts -- they deserve to know how we intend to support them. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I'm fighting to ensure our service members, veterans, and their families receive the benefits and services they have earned.

Freedom, equality, opportunity -- these are the values our country was founded upon, and these are the values I worked to defend during my 20 years of service in the Navy.

Today, as we reflect on the values that make our nation special, we must also recognize the great work we have ahead of us to ensure that the dream of our democracy is made real for all Americans.

I am honored to serve as your representative in Congress. Our work is just beginning.

I wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyful Independence Day celebration,

Elaine