February 12, 2013

Ranking Member Michaud Reacts to SOTU Address

Washington, D.C.  – – Today, Representative Mike Michaud (Maine-02), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, issued the following statement on the President’s intention to reduce the number of U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan:

“As the war winds down, more of our men and women will take off the uniform and seek VA services. As such, we must recommit ourselves as a nation to ensuring all who’ve served and sacrificed receive the support they need here at home.

“However, this is not just a near-term concern. When the war is over, our nation must not move on and forget. Whether it’s access to health care, boosting employment, or addressing the claims backlog, veterans of all eras deserve to know that their country is there for them for the long term. We need to codify the nation’s obligation and commitment to support the men and women who serve on our behalf. I know our committee stands ready to work alongside the Obama Administration to take the long view and establish a concrete path forward that plans for all our veterans’ needs—present and future.”