Defense/Veterans

Greeting Honor Flight Veterans in D.C.

Our veterans have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and their struggle should not continue when they return home. Last year, when the abhorrent treatment of our heroes was discovered, I demanded action. Unfortunately, the long wait times, insufficient care, and an unresponsive VA management did not end with the resignation of Secretary Shinseki. The VA has systematic failings that must be addressed. The House has passed several bills that will make our veterans’ lives better, from economic opportunity to accountability within the VA. But there is still more work to do.

I am optimistic that we can find solutions for our veterans. I will not waver in my fight to create a 21st century Department of Veterans Affairs. I look to the future with hope that we can act swiftly and compassionately – to not only demand answers from the VA – but to pass long-term solutions for the veterans who have served our nation.

Every day, our survival is threatened by radical Islamic terrorists whose aim is to kill innocent men, women, and children, even at the cost of their own lives. I support our brave men and women in uniform who are risking their lives in Afghanistan to keep America safe.

Military Family Summit

I am committed to America’s military families. As the wife of a career Navy man, I understand the nature of their family commitment and the drawbacks that come with it.  In 2009, I founded The Congressional Military Family Caucus to build bipartisan support for legislation to help military families and bring together military families and government leaders to discuss issues of concern to military families.

I am also committed to Fairchild Air Force Base, bringing the KC-X tanker to Fairchild, and making sure that Eastern Washington’s veterans get the care they need and deserve.