America's veterans are truly national heroes. They answered the call to defend our freedom and served our country in times of need. We must ensure that our soldiers and veterans receive the benefits, care and respect they deserve.

During this time of war, I am appalled that President Bush did not adequately fund the Veterans Health Administration budget. A $1 billion shortfall is not a mistake, it is a disgrace. We are fortunate that the VA Medical Center in Providence is one of the best
performing facilities in the country, but I am still very concerned about the lengthy waits many veterans face there. I will always strongly support an appropriate budget for the VA health care system that ensures all veterans receive the care and attention they deserve.

Concurrent Receipt:

I see no reason why our disabled veterans should not receive both their retirement and disability pensions in full. Military retirees are the only federal retirees who are unable to receive two federal pensions, and I believe that this penalty is unfair to those who gave so much of themselves in service to our country.

The 2004 National Defense Authorization Act allowed concurrent receipt for many affected veterans. On the current timeline, full concurrent receipt will be effective by 2014 for veterans with 50% disabilities and greater, and will be available to reservists who retired with at least 20 years of service. I am confident that after taking this first step we will soon be able to extend full concurrent receipt to all disabled veterans.

Survivor Benefits Plan:

Many servicemembers signed up for the Survivor Benefits Plan annuity, believing that their surviving spouses would receive 55 percent of their retired pay for life. Unfortunately, after paying decades of premiums, they now find that the benefit has dropped by more than one-third for most survivors over the age of 62.

After joining over 200 of my colleagues to demand that this issue be brought to the full House of Representatives for a vote, I am pleased that the 2005 National Defense Authorization Act fully restores the Survivor Benefits Plan annuity by 2008, and I continue to support legislation that will fix the program this year.

Veterans' Medical Care:

The Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) in Providence is one of the best performing facilities in the country, but I remain very concerned about the lengthy waits many veterans face when scheduling appointments. I strongly support fully funding the VA health care budget in order to alleviate this situation, and voted against the VA spending bill last year in order to protest its irresponsible funding cuts.

Flag Protection:

As a symbol of the world's greatest democracy and a source of inspiration for people worldwide, the American flag deserves to be treated with care and respect. I am once again a proud co-sponsor of the Flag Protection Amendment, which seeks to amend the Constitution and allow Congress to protect our flag from desecration. Our flag occupies a truly unique place in the hearts of millions of citizens, and we should honor those who have fought for all it represents by ensuring its protection.

These are only a few of the issues important to veterans that I am fighting for, and I will continue working to fulfill our promises to them.