JOHN,

Yesterday, I stood alongside Vermont veterans at an event in Colchester to unveil my Federal Veterans Affairs Agenda.

As the proud daughter of a Marine First Lieutenant and proud sister of a Marine Corporal, these issues are personal to me. I was honored to host the event at Josh’s House, a community space for Vermont veterans.

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Veterans - whether retired, in the reserves, or enlisted in the Guard – are talented, skilled, essential members of our community. They are doctors, business owners, and tradespeople. They are parents, coaches, and volunteers. Through their service they have earned traits and talents that make them exceptional workers, exemplary community leaders, and thoughtful neighbors. Here’s my agenda to support Vermont veterans in Congress:

Ensure every veteran has access to mental health care and support services.
The veteran mental health crisis impacts both those who have seen conflict and suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as well as those who did not see battle but struggle with the transition back to civilian life.

Oppose all efforts to privatize the VA, and work to ensure the VA is fully staffed and fully funded.
Pursue a broad, comprehensive effort to address our state’s workforce shortage through a federal workforce agenda. This workforce crisis is particularly acute in the healthcare sector.

Fight closures of VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).
Fight efforts to close or consolidate Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), which provide convenient, local care, sparing Vermont veterans long, regular commutes just to receive basic care.

Support veterans who have been exposed to toxic substances.
Continue Sen. Leahy’s leadership to cover the medical costs of servicemembers who have been exposed to burn pits, which, for decades, were used to incinerate toxic waste at overseas military installations.

With the International Committee of the Red Cross, I worked to promote U.S. compliance with the Geneva Conventions; with the International Code of Conduct Association, I worked to ensure that private security contractors followed human rights principles. I have seen the cost of war and conflict abroad – and understand that smart foreign policy, national security policy and defense policy is essential to preventing putting boots on the ground and for protecting current and future generations of service members.

As Lieutenant Governor, I’ve stood alongside Gov. Scott and the National Guard Caucus to advocate for the repeal of Vermont’s state tax on military retirement pay. Last summer, I traveled with our Vermont National Guard to Macedonia to support a 28-year state partnership aimed at strengthening international peace and security.

As Vermont’s Congresswoman, I will use these skills and experiences – gained both at home and abroad – to be a steadfast advocate for our veterans.

Vermont has long been a north star on veterans’ issues and foreign policy. I am part of a new generation of Vermont political leaders – one that came of age in the shadow of 9/11.

It’s time for my generation to step up and lead. Vermont’s veterans can count on me to be a tireless advocate for them and their families in Washington.

Yours,

Molly





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