On this Veterans Day, I wanted to take a moment to recognize the dedicated men and women who have served our country in the armed forces.

Our service members signed a covenant with this nation that they would risk their lives and be sent away to far away countries to serve and protect our nation and our values. And when they return, we, as a nation, would care for and look after them.

Congress has a solemn duty to uphold the promise of care and ensure that the VA quickly and fully serves veterans.

Unfortunately, bureaucratic red tape and underfunding have resulted in long wait times for VA assistance and skyrocketing costs of health care -- both of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

We cannot continue to fail our veterans.

Montana can and should be a leader in veteran care -- we hold one of the highest populations of veterans per capita in the country. My promise to you and our service members is that in Congress I will ensure that Congress and the VA fulfill their duty and veterans receive the care they deserve.

Thank you,

Monica Tranel