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"My thoughts are with the people of France after tonight's brutal terrorist attacks. While the extent of the attacks is still unknown, these horrific acts of terror highlight the continued challenge we face in the fight against terrorist networks. We must stand strong as an international community and remain steadfast in our belief that freedom and justice will prevail."
FEDERAL VETERANS AFFAIRS CASEWORK
Navigating the VA and DoD system can be a daunting process, and my staff and I are here to assist by connecting you with Veteran Service Officers (VSOs) who can help you through the process and make sure your applications and filings have been received. My staff has been successful in assisting many veterans who had issues with VA/DoD benefits. We encourage veterans to call our office if they need assistance. Here are a few examples of how my office has been able to help constituents with casework recently:
"On Veterans Day, we honor the brave and heroic service of all of our veterans. The men and women of our Armed Services risk their lives around the world every day to protect our freedoms and keep us safe. In return, it is critical that we ensure that they and their loved ones are cared for when they return home. I am honored to represent thousands of veterans who live in the 9th District in Washington state.
"The American criminal justice system is fundamentally broken.
"Today, House Democrats and Republicans agreed on a revised National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. This bill provides the Department of Defense with a stable and predictable budget with which to plan for the next two years. This bill reflects what Congress can do when it takes a bipartisan approach to the issues of the day. The robust discussion and participation from both Democrats and Republicans produced legislation that supports our troops, advances acquisition reform, and protects our national security.
"Today, I am honored to announce that I have joined the Democratic Whip's Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity, chaired by Congresswoman Barbara Lee. This Task Force examines inequities in our society and looks at policy proposals to expand opportunity in areas including higher education, job training and employment, and stable housing. I look forward to engaging with my colleagues on the Whip's Task Force to work to remove barriers that stand in the way of hard-working Americans reaching the middle class.
"Republicans have finally engaged in constructive conversations that have produced a two year bipartisan budget deal. This agreement, reached by House and Senate leaders, would increase funding equally for defense and non-defense investments and will help ensure that our economy continues to grow while providing opportunities for middle-class Americans. Unfortunately, this deal does not eliminate cuts mandated by sequestration and does not fix our core budget problems in the long-term.
"The reasons to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank's charter grow each day. In 2014, the Ex-Im Bank supported 2,400 jobs and $28,586,427 in exports to minority and women owned businesses in the 9th Congressional District of Washington state.
"Last week, despite multiple hunger strikes, public protests over conditions, and lack of transparency in contract negotiations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) signed a new contract with the GEO Group to operate the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) for the next nine years and six months."