In honor of Veterans Day, Chairman Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following video message and penned the below op-ed in The Hill:

The following is an excerpt from Chairman Roe's op-ed in The Hill:

As we approach Veterans Day, we are reminded of the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of our great nation. We honor their service and sacrifice, recognizing we are forever indebted to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who have defended our freedom for generations. From that harbor in Boston to the beaches of Normandy, from the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan and beyond, the character of those who have answered the call to serve exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an American. American servicemembers have set an example for and around the world, and they deserve our respect and honor every day of the year. 

In Congress, Republicans and Democrats are united in their commitment to these men and women. Despite our political differences, the debt of gratitude we owe our servicemembers unites legislators and inspires us to reach across the aisle to make good on the promises our nation has made to veterans. As chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I have the great privilege of serving our nation’s heroes year-round. In this political environment, I am proud of the bipartisan, bicameral work done on behalf of veterans this year. 

In the last eleven months, Congress has passed - and President Trump has signed - major reforms to bring accountability to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), to expand GI Bill benefits, to modernize VA’s appeals process for disability claims and to protect veterans’ access to the timely and quality health care they deserve. Congress is fortunate to have great partners in President Trump and VA Secretary David Shulkin, and together we’ve been able to make an incredible amount of progress to provide veterans with the benefits and care they have earned. I’d be remiss not to mention the outstanding partners we have in Veterans Service Organizations. Their persistence and leadership have helped the committee move bills over the finish line, and we would not have been able to achieve what we’ve done so far without their support. 

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