Veterans
Thousands of our nation's veterans choose to call Texas home, and I am proud to represent these heroes in Congress. I will always fight for the top-notch healthcare, compensation, and benefits they deserve.
If you are a veteran in need of assistance, my team is here to serve you. Click “Help With A Federal Agency” under the SERVICES tab to open a case with my office.
My work on behalf of our veterans includes:
- Supported the National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 5009, which included full authorization of the Boots to Business program for four years.
- As Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, I have continued to vote for and support legislation authorizing and strengthening the Small Business Administration’s Boots to Business Program designed to create entrepreneurial training and education for service members and their spouses transitioning back to civilian life.
- Cosponsored the Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act, H.R. 1606, which creates a path to help veterans transitioning back to civilian life begin their journey in starting a small business through the Boots to Business program.
- Co-led the VA WEB Act, H.R.6874, that works to address issues and make improvements to the VA.gov website.
- Co-led the PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, H.R 1448 (signed into law), which improves the VA’s canine PTSD program.
- Cosponsored the Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act, H.R. 4398. This nonpartisan legislation is designed to eliminate needless delays in veteran burials, ensuring the families of our veterans have the ability to grieve on their own timeline.
- Cosponsored the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act, H.R. 1286, which aims to simplify forms required by the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans to receive benefits and services.
- Cosponsored the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act, H.R. 553, which repeals a provision that prevents beneficiaries of late service members from receiving full benefits.
- Cosponsored the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, H.R.299, to expand health benefits and home loan programs for veterans with service-connected diseases related to herbicide (Agent Orange).
- Cosponsored the Faster Care for Veterans Act of 2016, H.R.4352, which establishes a pilot program to broaden appointment scheduling options and reduce wait times for veterans seeking medical care.
- Cosponsored the Honoring the Fort Hood Heroes Act, H.R.3111, to direct the Secretary of the Military Department to award the Purple Heart to members of the Armed Forces, employees, and civilian contractors who were killed or wounded in the attack at Fort Hood, Texas.