Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) made the following statement in honor of Veterans Day:
“Today, we honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces throughout generations. With great courage and sacrifice, our servicemen and women have kept us safe and acted selflessly to protect America’s interests across the globe. We are all indebted to their service.
“In addition, we are uniquely aware that our nation’s commitments to our veterans do not end when they return home from the battlefield. Many have been physically wounded, and suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or mental health illnesses such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We also know that a disproportionate number of America’s veterans – about 67,000 of them – are homeless. These figures are alarming and unacceptable, and we must recommit ourselves to doing more to help our men and women in uniform.
“I am pleased to hear that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made significant progress in recent months in reducing the backlog of disability compensation claims, and reduced outstanding claims by 34 percent. We are clearly making progress in addressing this serious problem, and I am deeply appreciative to the employees of the VA as they work to ensure that all of our veterans get the benefits they deserve.
“As we commemorate this year’s Veterans Day, let us remember all those who have fought and lost their lives in the name of freedom and democracy. The men and women of our Armed Forces deserve our deepest gratitude every single day for their continued sacrifice, and I will continue to work tirelessly for the rights of all veterans, active-duty members of the military, and their families.”
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.
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