Washington, DC— As the nation prepares to mark the Memorial Day Holiday, Rep. Watson today outlined her work to honor our nations’ troops and veterans.

“This Memorial Day, we must remember the brave men and women who have given their lives in battle. We must honor the troops serving now and the veterans who have served our country,” said Rep. Watson. “It is vital that we honor our troops and veterans with our deeds as well as our word. I am extremely proud of the historic new commitments this Congress is making to protect them and provide them with the benefits they justly deserve.

In May, the Democratic-led Congress enacted the largest increase in funding for veterans’ health care in the VA’s 77-year history. With the VA expected to treat 5.7 million patients in the coming year—including more than 293,000 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans—Congress has made it a priority to fund health care and benefits that veterans were promised and that they deserve.

Last week, the House of Representatives approved legislation creating a new GI Bill to restore full, four-year college education to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Under the new GI Bill, servicemembers returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, who have served 3 years on active duty, would receive benefits to cover the costs of a four-year education up to the level of the most expensive in-state public school, along with a stipend for housing, books and other expenses.  Education benefits will be available to troops who have served at least 3 months of active duty service since September 11, 2001, including members of the National Guard and Reserve.  Right now, veterans’ education benefits cover only about 70 percent of the cost of a public-school education and 30 percent of a private institution.

“Our veterans should get the tools they need to succeed when they return home and help our nation’s economy recover,just as the GIs did after World War II,” said Rep. Watson. “I’m proud the House and Senate have passed this landmark legislation. I urge the President to drop his opposition to such an important bill that will help to prepare our veterans now and in the future.”

This week, the House approved legislation that will:

·         Provide a cost of living adjustment and increase the rates of disability and survivor benefits for our nation’s veterans;

·         Establish the position of Director of Physician Assistant Services at the Veterans Health Administration;

·         Expand and improve aid to veterans suffering from substance abuse disorders.