Reflecting on Veterans and Their Ongoing Struggles
The events that unfolded on American soil 24 years ago gave rise to a new generation of war veterans. These courageous individuals faced unimaginable challenges and losses. Their experiences are understood fully only by those who have served alongside them.
As fellow military members now serving in Congress, we witness the daily struggles of our brothers and sisters. Many of these heroes are back home, yet their battles continue. The statistics might seem calm on the surface, but behind each number lie faces, families, and fellow Americans who have made sacrifices for our freedom.
The issues confronting our veteran community are both complex and urgent. Countless veterans find themselves waiting for months to have their disability claims processed. Many deal with injuries—some visible, others not—that stem from their service. Conditions like post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and more demand immediate and accessible care.
We recognize our responsibilities to those who have served. When veterans lack access to the care they were promised or when military families face financial struggles, it undermines our national defense and betrays those who answered our nation’s call.
As members of the Republican Research Committee, we often discuss what conservatism means in America today. Supporting our military personnel, maintaining a strong national defense, and celebrating our veterans aren’t just ideals—they are fundamental conservative principles requiring action, not just words.
The military spouse employment law exemplifies the type of solutions conservatives should promote. This law recognizes military spouses as target groups within the existing Labor Opportunity Tax Credit, which incentivizes businesses to hire these capable, resilient individuals. We take pride in this bill because it reflects conservative values of reducing governmental barriers and encouraging private sector initiatives to support those who serve our nation.
In a similar vein, the Veterans Access Act of 2025 targets systemic issues within veteran healthcare. The act aims to simplify access to the veterans health system and expand availability of life-saving mental health and addiction treatment programs. Veterans shouldn’t have to contend with bureaucratic red tape after bravely serving our country. They deserve streamlined and efficient care that meets their needs promptly.
Thanks to the efforts of the House Veterans Committee, House Republicans are committed to honoring veterans by enhancing access to telehealth services, expanding employment opportunities for all veterans—including those with service-related disabilities—making education benefits more attainable, and ensuring rural veterans have critical access to licensed health professionals.
President Donald Trump and House Republicans are dedicated to supporting our veterans and their families. The historic budget settlement law, passed in the early months of the 119th Congress, will directly benefit veterans. With 37,500 veterans engaged in advanced professions and 1.4 million managing overtime hours annually, this law translates to increased wages for those who give so much to our country.
Under VA leadership from Doug Collins, there’s been significant progress in addressing the long-standing backlog of claims that have troubled veterans. This year, the VA has successfully completed over 300,000 valuation requests in a single month—an achievement that reflects real progress affecting veterans’ lives directly.
These successes illustrate what can be attained when the administration prioritizes veterans’ needs. Congress must align itself with this commitment to support the warriors and families who defend our freedoms. We are a country founded on the bravery of those who have fought for it.
These warriors didn’t hesitate when America called after 9/11. Now, we must not hesitate in our response to their needs. Their mission may have reached its conclusion, but ours is only beginning.
