On Veterans Day, leaders of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs highlighted their ongoing commitment to supporting U.S. veterans. In a joint statement, Senator Jerry Moran, Chairman of the Committee, and Senator Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member, emphasized the importance of providing quality care and benefits to those who have served in the armed forces.
"Honoring our nation’s veterans requires more than just saying 'thank you for your service.' It means making certain they receive the best quality care, benefits, and respect they deserve after their time in service," Moran and Blumenthal stated.
The senators noted that while there may be differences over specific legislative proposals, both agree on prioritizing the Department of Veterans Affairs' core mission: "to care for all who have borne the battle." They stressed that strengthening oversight and improving efficiency at the VA are essential steps toward meeting veterans' needs.
They referenced key legislation such as the MISSION Act of 2018 and the PACT Act for toxic-exposed veterans in 2022 as examples of bipartisan efforts to improve support for veterans. The statement also mentioned ongoing work to increase VA benefits like disability compensation and survivors’ benefits to keep pace with changes in cost-of-living.
"These challenges and goals are not Republican or Democratic issues. They are American values that we, the leaders of the Committee, are committed to help pursue," said Moran and Blumenthal. "Together, we will continue working in a bipartisan way to make the VA stronger, more accountable and better equipped to meet the needs of those who have given much to defend our freedoms."
The senators concluded by reaffirming their responsibility to serve veterans with unity and gratitude: "On this Veterans Day and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to the men and women who served our country, despite great risk and personal sacrifice. Now, it is our responsibility to serve them with the unity, respect and gratitude they deserve."
Senator Jerry Moran represents Kansas as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Senator Richard Blumenthal serves Connecticut as Ranking Democrat on the committee.
