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Friends,

This Monday, I spent the day with service members and their families in recognition of their sacrifices to our nation. As I’ve traveled around our district each month, I’ve heard from our service members about the ways Congress can help veterans and their families. I am committed to making sure their service and sacrifice is never forgotten. We owe no greater debt than to the men and women who have served our country.

Speaking with veterans about their service and their legislative priorities in Congress.

As a member of the Health Care Task Force, I’m focused on developing bipartisan solutions to improve veterans’ care. Earlier this year, I joined my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to co-sponsor and vote to pass the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, which the President signed into law in June. This law helps more Vietnam veterans get access to the resources in place for diseases linked to herbicide exposure and streamlines the process for Vietnam veterans to receive disability payments from the VA. 

I’m committed to making sure our military families can reintegrate into civilian life and without experiencing unnecessary financial burdens. The 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included a repeal of the widow’s tax, which would ensure the widows of veterans can collect their full insurance benefits from the Department of Defense. I have also co-sponsored the bipartisan Gold Star Family Tax Relief Act to remove unnecessary tax penalties on military families. Military families who lose a loved one go through enough, and they shouldn’t have to worry about losing benefits when they are grieving.  

Protecting our veterans from fraud is also a top priority. That’s why, as a member of the Financial Services Committee, I co-sponsored and voted for the Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act, which passed the House in February with full bipartisan support. While it is illegal to defraud a veteran in connection to his or her benefits, there is currently no criminal or financial penalty associated with the crime. The Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act would close this federal loophole by imposing additional penalties for anyone who blatantly engages in a scheme to defraud a veteran.

While we are making progress on veterans’ priorities, I know we still have work to do. Whether it’s modernizing the VA health care process, cutting red tape, or fully protecting veterans’ benefits, I will keep fighting to make sure veterans always receive the specialized care and support they have earned.

Thanks,
Cindy 

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