Veterans
Every American owes a deep debt of gratitude to the brave men and women who served our country in the armed forces. But right now, we are failing this nation’s veterans – many of whom face serious challenges accessing the health care and employment opportunities they’ve earned after years of service.
It is critical that Congress uphold their responsibility to take care of our nation’s veterans, who have all sacrificed a tremendous amount to protect us, when they return home. In order to do this, I formed a Veterans Advisory Council, a group of veterans and veteran service organizations from throughout the district who help me identify the challenges our veterans face as well as solutions to address them.
In Washington, I have been focused on passing legislation that would strengthen the benefits we owe our servicemembers. I worked with my colleagues to pass the PACT Act, which will expand benefits for veterans who suffer illnesses from burn pit exposures during their military service. I also cosponsored and supported the EVEST Act, which would automatically enroll servicemembers in VA health benefits when they transition out of service. I was also proud to lead efforts to pass the STRONG Act, a long overdue bill to strengthen the Department of Veterans’ Affairs mental health and suicide prevention programs.
Congress needs to step up to provide our veterans with the resources they need and deserve. And I won’t stop fighting until that happens.
More on Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Angie Craig released the following statement following House passage of the Build Back Better Act.
WASHINGTON — Yesterday, U.S. Representative Angie Craig helped pass the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation that would increase the rates of compensation for Veterans with service-connected disabilities and the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled Veterans.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Craig (D-MN) helped pass annual funding legislation that includes several key priorities designed to support constituents in Minnesota's Second Congressional District. The package, which includes seven appropriations bills for federal agencies across government, will direct funds toward a number of Craig's requested priorities for working Minnesotans, including infrastructure spending, mental health care programs and economic recovery efforts.
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Angie Craig helped lead the introduction of the Transition for Success Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide in-demand skills training and employment assistance to members of National Guard and Reserve who are within 180 days of transitioning into civilian life. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center last year found that only one in four veterans said they had a civilian job lined up after they left the military.
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig testified in front of the House Veterans Affairs Committee on the epidemic of veteran suicide plaguing Minnesota and states across the country. Despite an ongoing effort by the State of Minnesota and veterans' advocacy groups, Minnesota continues to lose around 100 veterans to suicide every year.
WASHINGTON, DC – This week, U.S. Representative Angie Craig spoke on the House floor about her efforts to help a constituent achieve his goal of enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps and thanked him for his commitment to serving our country.
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Angie Craig announced today that many Minnesotans who receive Veterans' benefits have begun receiving Economic Impact Payments of up to $1,400 in their bank accounts. Many of the state's veterans had not yet received their Economic Impact Payment, until those funds were released late last week.
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig delivered a speech on the House floor honoring the life and service of former Minnesota National Guard Specialist Derrick Ameli of Savage, Minnesota. In her remarks, Craig addressed the urgent need to tackle the suicide epidemic in this country – especially among the nation's veterans – and urged Americans to destigmatize mental health treatment.
EAGAN, MN – Yesterday, U.S. Representative Angie Craig dropped off cards from her 2021 "Valentines for Veterans" Program at the Post Office in Eagan, MN. These cards will be delivered to the Hastings Veterans Home to thank local heroes for their service.
Representative Craig launched her "Valentines for Veterans" program in 2020, encouraging families across Minnesota's Second Congressional District to show appreciation for our servicemembers by making homemade Valentine's Day cards.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig announced her 2021 "Valentines for Veterans" program, encouraging families across Minnesota's Second Congressional District to show appreciation for our servicemembers by making homemade Valentine's Day cards.