Angus King: “Why don't we spend as much money on transition as we do on recruiting?”

Our sailors and Marines signed up to serve and to be treated with respect. They did not sign up to be kept at sea indefinitely with no announced return date and, by multiple accounts, without reliable food, hot water, or working plumbing.

Supply shortages and unjustified extended deployments also have a real impact on our ability to recruit and retain our servicemembers.

Whether implemented through regulation or enacted by Congress, these cuts would strip disabled veterans of earned compensation and health care benefits – they should be rejected outright.

Accessible, reliable health care is essential for seniors across Maine, particularly in our rural communities where providers are already stretched thin.