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Honoring Our Veterans
Veterans earned their benefits and our respect by serving our country. We are honored that Virginia’s Fifth district has produced and continues to house thousands of veterans and military families. They deserve to be greeted every day with honor not with red tape and hoops to jump through, just to access the benefits they have more than earned. Tom has spent years fighting to keep our nation’s promises to service members, veterans, and their families. And he has produced results that make a real difference to those who have served.
Tom's Accomplishments on the issue
Why You Can Trust Tom
Tom chose to serve on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, working directly on legislation to expand and streamline veterans' access to VA benefits and care.
Tom received a rare A+ rating from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).
Tom wrote and passed into law the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2010, increasing disability compensation for veterans and survivor benefits for military families.
Tom introduced the Helping Heroes Keep Their Homes Act to extend foreclosure protections for service members during the 2008 housing crisis.
When Vietnam Veterans were struggling to receive disability compensation for Agent Orange exposure, Tom fought to shift the burden of proof to the government. Today, Tom knows that the veterans who make up more than 7% of Virginia’s 5th District may have unique needs for physical and mental healthcare, including to address toxic exposures and suicide prevention.
When Tom gets to washington
Tom's Action Plan
Protect VA services from cuts. Fully fund and fully staff all VA medical facilities and claims processing offices so veterans receive prompt, professional, and complete VA healthcare and benefits, especially in rural areas of Virginia.
End the war. Tom will vote to end the war with Iran on Day One because he believes it is wrong to put American lives on the line for an unnecessary and costly war of choice.
Protect veterans from fraud. Safeguard veterans from bad actors trying to steal their disability, education, retirement, and other benefits.
Promote the VA and block privatization. Fund the VA to do its job rather than break it up and hand the pieces to contractors. The VA provides higher quality, faster, and less expensive care than the private sector based on coordinated and comprehensive services.
Support Veteran Transition. Expand education, job training, hiring, healthcare, and benefit opportunities so veterans seamlessly transition into civilian life.
Provide A+ constituent services. Be sure residents of the 5th District know they can contact Tom’s office to resolve challenges dealing with the VA.