Political Quotes

“Today is the 1-year anniversary of the historic decision to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act. We celebrate the progress we have made for LGBT equality; but, more importantly, we must recommit to ending the injustice that remains. An announcement last week by the administration regarding ongoing efforts to extend Federal benefits to legally married same-sex couples in the wake of that Windsor decision clarifies what I have long suspected. Unless Congress acts, legally married same-sex servicemembers, veterans, and their spouses will continue to face discrimination when accessing their benefits from the VA. That is why, nearly a year ago, I introduced H.R. 2529, the Veteran Spouses Equal Treatment Act. This bipartisan legislation ensures that no veterans or their families are denied benefits they deserve, regardless of where they live. Members of the military do not serve in defense of the rights and freedoms of a particular State, but rather of the United States. My colleagues have a choice to stand with our veterans and their families or stand silent while they continue to face discrimination by the very government they fought to defend. ____________________”