There is no more important public service than caring for our brave men and women in uniform, during and after active duty. The character and compassion of our nation are measured by fulfilling this commitment.
In June, at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, I had the privilege to help properly recognize and welcome home 1,000 of our Vietnam veterans. It was an emotional gathering for our heroes who did all that was asked of them and served our country with honor, but did not receive the proper gratitude and respect from millions of Americans when they returned home. I trust that our nation has learned an important lesson to always welcome back our defenders, even if some question the conflict.
Serving our 2nd District families in Congress, I have followed up my words with actions.
I joined the Military Veterans Caucus to strengthen the coalition that supports our military families. To help address the high incidence of suicide among veterans returning from the Middle East, I co-sponsored legislation that allows our troubled warriors to immediately receive mental health treatment at any health care facility. I introduced legislation with Congresswoman Chellie Pingree that allows veterans to receive proper mental and physical health care services if they were sexually assaulted during active duty. For our moms in uniform, I am thrilled to serve as a co-sponsor for legislation that extends the allowed hospital stay time for mom and baby after birth.
One of my early votes in Congress was to pass the Hire More Heroes Act. This bill gives special incentives for businesses to offer jobs to our veterans. I support the expansion of telemedicine, teleconferencing and modernization of electronic health records so our veterans living in rural Maine can still get the care and treatment they need and deserve.
Last month, I was proud to help pass the House defense budget that includes a well-earned pay raise and more pension security for those who fight for our freedom. The ensuing defense appropriations bill commits 5.6 percent more funding for our troops, veterans and their families while holding the Veterans Administration accountable for its management practices.
Taking care of our veterans and their families should never be a political issue.
That’s why I toured the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta months before the inspector general’s report was released criticizing the hospital for failing to schedule mental health appointments for our veterans in a timely manner, and in some cases, not at all. This was extremely disturbing to learn. I’ll be watching Togus very closely to be certain our veterans receive the best possible health care they’ve been promised.
All Americans should be concerned about criminals and other bad actors gaining access to our sensitive and personal information.
My work on the House Financial Services Committee includes strengthening our defenses against cyberattacks and punishing those who are caught doing so. To help our veterans, I have co-sponsored legislation that would allow each veteran to receive his or her own identification card to ensure they have access to health care and other services in the event their personal data is stolen.
During my first six months in Congress, helping our veterans has been at the top of my priorities.
One of my true joys has been connecting with thousands of our Maine veterans. In Maine and in Washington, I have had the honor to meet our special veterans from the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and in many more settings. Their patriotism, commitment to duty, humility and camaraderie inspire me.
I’m proud to be in their foxhole in Congress and will continue to fight for them throughout my tenure.
My offices in Lewiston, Bangor, Presque Isle and Washington, D.C., are available to anyone who is experiencing difficulties with the VA or receiving benefits. Help is also available through my website, poliquin.house.gov.
Rep. Bruce Poliquin, a Republican, represents Maine’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives.