Caring for our Nation's Heroes

When duty called, America’s veterans answered, risking life and limb in service to their fellow citizens. Their selfless sacrifice and dedication to our nation’s values is the reason why we can enjoy the freedoms we so deeply cherish.

Unfortunately, throughout the course of their service, our veterans are often exposed to traumatic situations and too many return home with invisible scars from experiencing emotional and mental distress. The mental health challenges they face are unique and deeply personal, and far too often can end in tragedy. Due to these hidden wounds and the difficulty transitioning back to civilian life, veterans are at a higher risk of homelessness, substance abuse, and suicide, compared to the general population. As a nation, we must do more to support those who wore the uniform. This means ensuring they receive the benefits and support they rightfully earned and recognizing the challenges they may face during their transition back to civilian life.

Our district is home to over 70,000 veterans, one of the largest populations of any congressional district in the United States. As your Representative, and a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, caring for those who served is not a responsibility I take lightly. I will continue to work on a bipartisan basis to push for legislation, funding, and other efforts that honor our commitment to our veterans for the sacrifices they made. In my freshman term in office, I have introduced nine pieces of veterans-focused legislation that aim to expand access to healthcare, enhance mental health services and suicide prevention efforts, increase workforce and education opportunities, and ease their transition back to civilian life. Additionally, I organized a Veterans Advisory Council to hear directly from those who served about the unique challenges facing our veterans and how I can continue to use my position and platform to help.

One crucial step toward fulfilling this obligation is strengthening mental health services for veterans. While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has made strides in this area, there is still more work to be done. Many veterans face long waiting times for appointments, especially in rural areas where access to care is limited. This is why I pressed the VA to reopen a since closed Vet Center outstation to provide no-cost mental health care and counseling to veterans and their families in Sierra Vista. Through this effort we are hopeful the center will be open and treating patients by December.

Substance abuse is another common issue that our veterans face in the aftermath of their service. Without adequate treatment or support, this addiction can quickly spiral out of control. We must invest in comprehensive substance abuse programs tailored specifically to our veterans, recognizing that their experience and needs are unique. The Committee has considered legislation to allow veterans quicker access to mental healthcare services through community providers and direct VA grants to local organizations for their services and resources.

I recently co-led legislation which would give VA providers greater access to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) to ensure that prescriptions for controlled substances are tracked accurately to prevent accidental complications or abuse. This would help prevent avoidable drug interactions, abuse, overdoses, and death. Veterans must be able to trust and feel safe using the medication they are prescribed, especially when it is used to treat mental health conditions. This bill would save lives, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen resources for our VA providers.

Finally, we must work to end the stigma surrounding mental health and asking for help. Seeking help is a sign of strength. We must continue working to change this narrative and encourage veterans, and all who are hurting, to come forward and receive the treatment and support they need.

Our veterans have given so much to our great nation, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have the support they need when they return. Their sacrifice, service, and dedication must be met with tangible actions. By expanding access to mental health services and fighting to reduce stigma, we honor our veterans and ensure they receive the help they deserve. Our freedoms are built on their courage and dedication. When they return home, it is our turn to stand for them.