Rep. Takano Reacts to SOTU; Urges Increased Commitment to Veterans
WASHINGTON, DC – In reaction to President Obama’s remarks regarding veterans in last night’s State of the Union Address, Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41) released the following statement:
“I was encouraged by Congress’ bipartisan support for President Obama’s remarks regarding veterans in last night’s State of the Union address. The president’s account of Sergeant First Class Cory Remsburg’s resolve reminds us all of what we know to be true—our veterans are capable of tackling any obstacle blocking their path forward and they have an enormous amount of perseverance. But they should not have to go it alone.
“With America’s longest war coming to an end, we need to make sure we are prepared to welcome back our transitioning servicemembers by providing them with good jobs, increasing access to training and education opportunities, and improving health services—including mental health—for our veterans.
“But preparing our servicemembers for the transition back to civilian life must begin much earlier. From the moment they enter the service—and even before they enter—these men and women should begin future-planning, and they should have support at every step of the way—from their commanders, through counseling and training, and by access to vital information.
“As Ranking Member of the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, this year I will make it my mission to ensure that the military begins to recognize the entire lifecycle of service and supports comprehensive, long-term future-planning, and that our transitioning servicemembers are being welcomed back with the resources and services they need to succeed.”
# # #