Schakowsky Statement on Veterans Day
EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip, released the following statement commemorating Veterans Day:
“Today, we honor and express our deepest gratitude to the brave American veterans who were willing to risk their lives in defense of our country and selflessly served in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
"On this day, let us express not only our gratitude but also our unwavering commitment to providing the support and care our veterans deserve. The sacrifices they make are immeasurable, for they willingly offer their service, fully aware of the risks. For countless veterans, the aftermath of their service entails an ongoing struggle with post-traumatic stress and the daily pain of injuries sustained during their service. Tragically, each year, we lose thousands of veterans to suicide, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive and enduring support upon their return to civilian life.
"Congress must maintain its commitment to provide essential funding, ensuring our veterans have access to the vital resources they require. However, this past year, Congressional Republicans proposed to cut government spending by 22%. These cuts would have significantly limited access to essential health care services for veterans by affecting the quality and availability of care. It was estimated that 81,000 jobs would have been lost with the Veterans Health Administration which would have hindered the ability for veterans to make appointments for vital health care services such as cancer screenings, mental health support, and wellness check-ups. The Republican proposal would have created barriers to the necessary care and support that veterans depend on and deserve. I am grateful these cuts did not go into effect, but we must continue to defend our veterans from future budget cuts.
"I am deeply committed to fighting for our veterans and ensuring that they are not forgotten. I hope everyone takes a moment this Veterans Day to share their gratitude for those who have risked their lives to serve the needs of our nation. If you are a veteran in need of assistance or know a veteran who may need assistance, please do not hesitate to call my office at (773) 506-7100. We will do whatever we can to assist you.”
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