As the daughter of a disabled WWII veteran, I have long understood the importance of fulfilling the promises and repaying the debts we owe our nation's veterans. Sadly, we too often fall short. Every year, veterans have to petition Congress and fight for full funding of their health care and benefits. I will strongly support legislation to make veterans’ benefits and health care funding mandatory, including full funding for both physical and mental health programs.

I will also work to end restrictions on concurrent retirement and disability payments, to integrate benefits for active duty, Guard and Reserves forces, and to ensure there are no fee increases in earned Tri-Care medical benefits. I will fight for fair mileage reimbursements, better prescription distribution systems and other practical benefits that ensure our promises to veterans are carried out in practice. I support and applaud recent efforts to bring the G.I. Bill into the 21st century by renewing our commitment to provide robust educational benefits to our veterans.