Political Quotes

“I rise today to salute the people of Michigan past and present who have served in our Armed Forces and to honor their families. There are few actions as selfless as serving in our military. When our Nation called, these brave Michiganders stood up. They were willing to be sent anywhere--at any time--in order to protect our Nation, our people, and our values. Some of them never came home. Others came home, but were never quite the same. And many continue to serve their communities long after their military commitment is fulfilled: a U.S. Marine veteran from Holland who walks across the State each year to raise awareness of mental health issues and to highlight organizations that serve veterans; an Air Force veteran in Mid-Michigan who shares her own painful story about trying to fit in to help support other historically excluded veterans; an Upper Peninsula veteran who has spent decades coaching and mentoring young people through youth sports. These veterans have our backs. It is crucial that we have theirs, too. That is why I was so pleased when President Biden signed the bipartisan PACT Act into law last year. This law helps ensure that veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, and other toxic substances during their service receive the healthcare and benefits they have earned. One year later, the Department of Veterans Affairs has received more than 780,000 disability claims under the PACT Act and approved more than 348,000.…”