Dear John,

On Friday, we recognize our veterans and honor the millions of brave men and women who have sacrificed to defend our freedom. 

As we commemorate Veterans Day this year, I wanted to update you on what I'm doing to make sure veterans and their families receive the benefits they've earned and deserve.

Read on to learn more.

I created this paid fellowship through the U.S. House of Representatives' Gold Star Family Fellowship Program to provide employment opportunities for local families of service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice to our nation.

In 2005, Lee Anne's husband, the late SFC George A. Pugliese, was tragically killed in Ramadi, Iraq, while serving with the Pennsylvania National Guard. In addition to Lee Anne, he is survived by the couple's three children: Nicholas, Jonathon and Avianna. 

“I will forever be grateful for all the support my family has received. One small act of kindness can, indeed, make a huge difference," Lee Anne said. "I really appreciate this opportunity to be a part of Team Cartwright and having the ability to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most." 

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I voted to approve the $314.1 billion Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Bill for Fiscal Year 2023 earlier this summer. 

Specifically, the bill:

• Supports investments in veteran's health care, including women's health, mental health and homelessness assistance.
• Rebuilds our infrastructure by constructing critical military facilities, including family housing and childcare centers, while upgrading Veterans Affairs centers.
• Protects our national security by investing in response efforts to Russian and Chinese aggression.
• Increases climate change funding to help military installations adapt to rising sea levels and worsening natural disasters.

In August, I was invited to attend the White House signing ceremony for the Honoring Our PACT Act, which included my Camp Lejeune Justice Act. 

It was one of my proudest moments as a member of Congress. 

This new law will do so much for veterans who were exposed to dangerous toxins while in Asia, the Middle East, and right here in the United States. For more information on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, click here. 

Additionally, new bipartisan legislation I recently introduced on behalf of military members and their families includes:

• The Wounded Warrior Research Enhancement Act to support and fund orthotic and prosthetic services and equipment.  
• The Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act to establish a Center of Excellence in prosthetic and orthotic education and design.
• The Military Family Leave Act to allow for emergency unpaid military family leave.
• The Military Spouse Continuity Act to reimburse military spouses affected by a Permanent Change of Station.
• Expedited Hiring for VA Psychiatrists to allow VA Hospitals to quickly recruit and hire much-needed psychiatrists.

Later this month, I'll be introducing the VA Work Study Improvement Act to modernize the VA's existing Work-Study program.

What does this bill do for student veterans? It expands work-study activities and allowable hours; permits the collection of wages; and modernizes outdated - and often cumbersome - timesheet reporting. 

More information on this new legislation to follow.

It's our privilege to assist veterans and their dependents with problems that may arise with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

If you're a veteran or a member of the military in need of assistance, please contact my Hazleton office at (570) 751-0050.

Be safe and well,