Honoring those who have sacrificed

Each Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed for our country by serving in the U.S. military. For the nearly 80,000 veterans in Austin and their families, honoring the memory of our fallen heroes hits close to home.

Our veterans make American great, and our country is stronger when veterans promptly receive the benefits they earned for their service to our great Nation. I always enjoy honoring our veterans at the annual San Marcos Veterans Parade, and I look forward to speaking at the parade in future years.

Our vets deserve quality healthcare

Ensuring our veterans prompt access to quality healthcare has long been one of my top priorities. More than 13 million veterans receive some form of health care coverage outside the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, the President’s recently-passed tax bill restructures essential parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), limiting or worsening coverage for our veterans. By rolling back Medicare and Medicaid coverage, particularly for disabled veterans, it jeopardizes the health of 11 million veterans on Medicare and two million enrolled in Medicaid. Veterans and their families who rely on the ACA, Medicare, and Medicaid should not be denied access to critical health services, and I will continue working to protect these crucial programs.

Serving our veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs

The ouster of VA Secretary David Shulkin raises the concern that the Administration will privatize the VA. Though I recognize we have much work to do in improving access to care for those who use the VA, I believe privatizing the VA would be a mistake. The dismantling of such a critical institution would shift healthcare costs to veterans and reverse the progress the VA has made. I stand with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled Americans Veterans, American Legion and many others who say: Fix it, don’t break it.

Too many of our vets are still waiting far too long to receive the care they have earned. I welcome the continuing advice from vets on this and other issues and want to hear from constituents who have experienced problems.

Giving thanks for all members of our military

I also firmly believe that those who risk life and limb for the security of our country deserve our support regardless of gender identity. Attempts to prevent transgender troops from serving or to deny access to care for our transgender veterans violate Constitutionally-guaranteed equal protection, one of the touchstones of our democracy. Our military reflects the diversity of our great Nation. Each member deserves our protection and support, regardless of gender, race, or sexual orientation.

Paying tribute to those who sacrifice

Every week I serve in Washington, I pass the imposing, inspiring World War II Memorial, where an inscription by President Truman reads: “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our Country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”

Our courageous members of the military have served valiantly at home and abroad for our safety and security. It is essential that we continue to work for the safety and security of our veterans in return. When I work to represent your priorities in Congress, I seek to repay the great debt we owe to our veterans and their families. Though Memorial Day may also be a reprieve from work and a celebration of the start of summer, it is also a time for us to reflect and honor our Nation’s fallen heroes. It serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by some for our country and encourages us to remain committed to thanking, protecting, and honoring our veterans every day.

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Doggett represents the 35th Congressional District, which includes San Marcos