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It’s not enough to thank veterans for their service. We need to provide veterans with the services they have earned. During my time in Congress I have worked to expand access to veterans health care, including mental health and suicide prevention resources. I proudly voted for the Honoring our PACT Act to expand VA benefits and compensate veterans suffering from toxic exposure. I’ve had the privilege of delivering for veterans in my district. Immediately after the Veterans Affairs Administration announced its recommendation to close veterans health clinics in Española, Gallup, Las Vegas, and Raton, I pushed back and fought for veterans in Nuevo Mexico. I visited all the clinics to meet with veterans and listen to their stories. I brought those stories with me to Congress and was able to keep veterans’ clinics open. We must also honor and celebrate our veterans. That’s why I’m proud that my legislation renaming the Department of Veterans Affairs in Gallup, New Mexico, to Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura VA Clinic was signed into law in 2023. Additionally, I introduced the Defenders of Bataan, Corregidor, and Attu Congressional Medal Act. This bill recognizes the history and sacrifices of New Mexico National Guardsmen from the 200th and 515th Coast Artillery Regiment in the Philippines during World War II. |