Feenstra

Every year, we pause on November 11 to honor America’s heroes: our veterans. Our nation is stronger, safer and more prosperous because of the sacrifice of millions of men and women who selflessly answered the call to serve. Our veterans are extraordinary Americans who deserve our appreciation and gratitude not only on Veterans Day, but all 365 days of the year. We truly cannot thank these heroes enough for all they have done to protect our freedoms, defend our values, and ensure our nation remains free.

Although our veterans have made incredible contributions to our country, they never seek recognition or praise for their service to our country. They are mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, neighbors and relatives who live quietly among us and go about their daily lives. In my mind, this is the true definition of selflessness, patriotism, and dedication to a cause greater than any one person.

As a grateful nation, it is absolutely essential that we provide the best health care, benefits and services that our veterans have earned and deserve. This Congress, I voted to give our veterans the best our country has to offer. I supported the PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Comprehensive Toxics Promises) to ensure that veterans who have been exposed to toxic hazards – like burns, radiation and agent Orange – and who later developed illnesses like cancer receive the quality care and treatment they need. I also voted for Sgt. The Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act – now in effect – aims to expand health care for veterans in rural communities by creating three new Rural Access Network for Growth Enhancement (RANGE) program centers in rural areas that have need more resources to support veterans’ mental health services. Additionally, I have supported legislation to help find shelter for homeless veterans, couple VA benefits with Social Security’s cost of living adjustment, ensure that veterans defrauded by a fake educational institution can recover their full GI benefits and fully fund veterans’ benefits through the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill for FY 2025. Additionally, I voted for the Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act to help veterans who were victims of financial crimes and other fraudulent schemes recover their stolen benefits, and helped introduce legislation allowing veterans who suffered injuries during or after their service to contribute to health savings. tax-free accounts to make health care and routine checkups more affordable.

This year, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that the United States is home to nearly 19 million veterans. It is our responsibility to ensure that each and every one of them is cared for and supported. I firmly believe that the character of any nation can be judged by how it treats its veterans, and I will always work to ensure that America’s veterans are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. As a proud and grateful American, I will continue to work to ensure our incredible veterans receive the high-quality health care and benefits they have earned and deserve. It is a promise that we must respect.

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Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull, represents Iowa’s Fourth District in the House of Representatives.