Jim Costa: “This bill makes critical investments in our military and upholds a sacred promise we make to our men and women in…”

“This bill makes critical investments in our military and upholds a sacred promise we make to our men and women in uniform that we will stand by them when they return home, but we can do more. My amendment provides additional funding to end what has been a shameful backlog of disability claims that, for too long, has delayed benefits for veterans throughout the west coast, especially in the San Joaquin Valley that I represent. The Oakland regional office services the majority of veterans throughout the west coast and in my district. Sadly, it has one of the largest loads of backlogged casework. Currently, more than 10,000 entitlement claims are stuck in this backlog, and the average claim is left pending for nearly 400 days, which is over a year. This is unacceptable. It is immoral. Yesterday, the Central Valley Honor Flight brought 68 World War II veterans from California to see the World War II Memorial and other important monuments in our Nation's capital. These men and women raised their right hand over 70 years ago and took an oath that they would defend our Nation and our freedom for the future of democracy throughout the world. Their efforts and their honor is without question. This is a depth that we can never repay. Therefore, it is our obligation to provide them with the care that they earned for their service to our country.…”