In this time of war, it is important to show support not only for our brave men and women currently serving overseas, but for the thousands of service members who served their country in previous conflicts.

As a staunch supporter of our troops, I led the successful fight for an almost ten-fold increase in benefits for the families of those killed in action. It is the least we can do for the families of individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

When I learned that troops home on leave from Iraq and Afghanistan were being forced to pay their own travel costs to their home cities, I wrote a bill to direct the Department of Defense to pay all their travel costs. That's now the law.

As a veteran, legislation affecting former service men and women is especially important to me. Unfortunately, health care and prescription drug costs continue to rise in the United States, for both military retirees and private citizens. Raising TRICARE and pharmacy fees on retirees while the nation is at war, however, is a move that will send a powerful negative message to veterans, who bravely served our country during its time of need. The budget should honor our veterans by providing the benefits they have earned. As the House of Representatives continues to work on funding figures for the FY2007 budget, please be assured that I will continue to support legislation that ensures our veterans have access to the highest quality health care at the lowest possible cost.

• THE NEW GI BILL OF RIGHTS: I recently signed on to support a House bill, the New GI Bill of Rights for the 21st Century, to honor the bravery of our troops and the tremendous sacrifices that their families have made. No other group of Americans has stood stronger and braver for our democracy than troops and our veterans. We must celebrate, honor and remember these courageous and faithful men and women through the New GI Bill agenda. On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.
• SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES: When I spoke to family members of deployed troops on September 20, 2003, I learned that over 300 reservists from units based in Garner, KS, are currently deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Their mobilization orders were extended for up to two years. They are among the thousands of men and women in harm's way around the world protecting our freedom and standing up for us in the war on terrorism. Many are reservists and members of the National Guard who left behind jobs and families with reduced income and limited support networks; some have lost their homes and small businesses in order to do their duty. Congress and the American people must do everything we can to support our armed forces and address the needs of our military: troop strength, equipment, and supplies.
• ENDING THE TAX ON DISABLED VETERANS: It is wrong to force military retirees to give up pay earned for their time in service, in order to receive compensation they are entitled to for service-connected disabilities. I will keep working for a complete end to the tax on disabled military retirees. I opposed plans put forth by the House leadership and the Administration to take away other veterans' disability compensation in the future, in order to pay for this benefit. We should not take from one group of veterans to pay another. We should do what is right.
• SERVING VETERANS HEALTH CARE NEEDS: It is important for Congress to be part of ensuring our veterans health care needs are met. VA hospitals are vital to making sure those needs are met and I am working to ensure that Congress does not close any hospital prematurely.