Herald Q&A

Veterans’ affairs: A Q&A with Congresswoman Kathleen Rice

Posted

Newly elected Congresswoman Kathleen Rice was appointed to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in January.

Rice, the former District Attorney of Nassau County, helped create Nassau’s Veterans Court, and has been a vocal advocate for more proactive, comprehensive support for Long Island’s veteran population, which is one of the largest in the nation.

  “Serving our veterans is one issue that must always be above politics and partisanship,” said Rice. “We have a lot of challenges to take on in the next two years. We have to make crucial reforms at the VA to ensure that veterans get the benefits, support and comprehensive care that they’ve earned. We have to be more proactive in connecting new veterans with the services they need as they transition to civilian life, and we have to fully invest in their unique potential to contribute to our economy. I look forward to taking on these challenges with my fellow Committee members, and taking bipartisan action to better serve veterans on Long Island and across the country. It’s not only the right thing to do – it’s also a Homeland Security priority, because we can’t expect anyone to risk their lives for our country unless they see that we fulfill our commitment to our heroes when they complete their service.”

The Herald asked Rice to talk more in depth about the needs of the country’s veterans:

 
Herald:
What are the needs of veterans, and where do you think they’re being failed?

Kathleen Rice:
All of our veterans need timely access to the benefits and care they've earned, they need to be able to see a doctor when they're sick, as all Americans deserve. New veterans, especially, need proactive, comprehensive support as they transition to civilian life, they need affordable housing, and they need the opportunity to advance their educations and find good jobs where they can use their exceptional training, skills and experience to succeed in our economy. Our veterans have a tremendous amount to offer, and our entire country stands to benefit if we provide them the same opportunities that were given to past generations of American heroes.

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