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Veterans

As the son of a World War II veteran and the representative of two military bases, supporting our troops at home and on the front lines is a no-brainer for Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger. In fact, it’s something he has built a national reputation on. Dutch believes:

We owe our veterans proper healthcare and benefits.

Dutch supports military pay increases, opposes TRICARE fee increases and supports tax deductions for supplemental premiums and enrollment fees. As part of his extensive constituent service operation, Dutch helps Maryland veterans access their benefits each and every day and is working aggressively to make sure Baltimore’s VA office eliminates its care backlog once and for all.

In Washington, he supports legislation and funding to keep the VA health care system strong, with clean, modern facilities. He is particularly supportive of services to fight the tragically high suicide rate among veterans and improve the treatment of traumatic brain injuries. He has also secured millions in federal funding for the Trauma Clinical Research Program and the Peer Review Orthopedic Research Program, which work to ensure our wounded warriors and veterans can access the best possible medical care.

Returning troops and veterans deserve quality jobs.

Dutch supports legislation to encourage employers to hire servicemembers who have recently returned from duty or who have been discharged and are looking for a job. He consistently supports federal funding for programs that re-train veterans so they have the skills they need to find work in today’s job market. He supported the “new” post September 11 G.I. bill to expand educational benefits for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

As elected officials, we have an obligation to do whatever we can to ease the sacrifices of our military families.

Since coming to Congress, Dutch has launched two national programs that support our wounded warriors and their families. Operation “Hero Miles” helps citizens donate their frequent flyer miles to wounded warriors traveling to receive care through the military health system, as well as to friends and family visiting them. “Hotels for Heroes” allows the American public to donate their hotel reward points, further helping to defray travel costs. Both programs, now administered through the nationally recognized Fisher House Foundation, have been incredibly successful. Dutch also supports every legislative opportunity to better the quality of life for our veterans and their families. For example, he recently signed on in support of the Housing Our Heroes Act, which aims to acquire and renovate abandoned homes for homeless veterans.

Related Cosponshorships

To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for the burial in Arlington National Cemetary of the cremated remains of certain persons whose service has been determined to be active service.

Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2015

Housing Our Heroes Act

To amend title 10, United States Code, to establish a space-available transportation priority for veterans of the Armed Forces who have service-connected, permanent disability rated as total.

Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act of 2015

World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act

Agent Orange Extension Act of 2015

Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2015