We are blessed in Arizona’s Fifth Congressional District to have many veterans among us.  These individuals and their families and friends have made countless sacrifices in defense of our freedom.  Each one has a story of their service to share, many that include challenging physical, mental, and emotional outcomes that cannot be imagined by those of us who have not served. They fought so that we could live in the land of freedom and opportunity, and we will forever be in their debt.

Despite the many promises we have made to our veterans in return for their service, many still struggle to access care and benefits due to a disappointingly inefficient Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As reported over the past few years, the VA has fallen woefully short of expectations and simple measures of human decency towards America’s best. Many VA bureaucrats have put profits and expediency over the health and safety of our nation’s heroes, and some of our veterans have endured great hardships or even perished due to their actions. These offenses are inexcusable and never should have been allowed.

The VA has taken steps to reform its policies and procedures, but there is still a lot of work to do. Since the start of the 115th Congress, the House of Representatives has considered several bills to reform the VA, restore accountability to its ranks, and ensure that our veterans are treated with the greatest sense of decency and professionalism for all of their needs. I will continue to advocate for legislation like this until every veteran receives the care that they deserve.  

I consider assisting veterans in the Fifth District to be one of the most important responsibilities of my office. If you are a veteran or military family and need assistance obtaining these benefits, please call my office with any questions.  My staff and I would be more than happy to assist you.