Veterans

Virginia’s 8th congressional district is home to over 50,000 veterans and active duty service members. I am proud to represent a district with such a strong ethic of service. As the son of a 92-year-old Korean War veteran, I am deeply committed to caring for those who sacrifice to protect our freedoms. My father used the G.I. Bill and put his education and skills to work in what became our family business. Our nation must continue to provide those who serve in the military with the necessary resources to adjust to civilian life. 

Battlefield scars, whether mental, physical or both, heal slowly. Those who served deserve a healthcare system that processes claims efficiently and effectively, and our nation has a moral obligation to make our troops whole again. If that system breaks down, we in Congress must help it do better. My district office often assists constituents with VA benefits, and I encourage veterans who require assistance to reach out and request help online or by phone at 703-658-5403. 

Some of the most important ways that we repay our veterans include small business loans, housing assistance, and education funding. Many of our civilian industries in Northern Virginia thrive under the management or with the assistance of veterans.

I support numerous measures to ensure equal and honorable treatment of all veterans, including the Restore Honor to Service Members Act and the Major Richard Star Act. Additionally, we know the service affects not just those deployed, but their families as well. For that reason, I am the sponsor of the Military Spouse Hiring Act, bipartisan legislation to amend the tax code to incentivize businesses to hire military spouses, and secured a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act to allow military service to count towards time requirements for family and medical Leave for federal employees. 

The 8th District of Virginia is home to the Pentagon, the Marine Corps Memorial, the Navy Memorial, the Air Force Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery. I take great pride in the fact that we are surrounded by symbols of our nation’s support for veterans, and I am committed to making sure that our government’s symbolic recognition is matched by our care for veterans.