Blog post

What we told the President
Posted by Todd Bowers on August 9 2010

Yesterday I visited the White House, where I met with the President, VA Secretary Shinseki and National Security Advisor General Jones in the Roosevelt Room.

This was the beginning of a long overdue conversation between the Administration and Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

I told the President that the situation facing our community is urgent. The unemployment rate for Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans is close to 13%, thousands aren't getting the GI Bill benefits they've earned, and too many young veterans continue to wait years for their VA disability benefits.

So far this year, Washington has failed to deliver in any of these critical areas.

But to confront these challenges, the Administration must do more than just hold a meeting. They need to focus on our newest heroes and push Congress to take real action.

Right now, there is bipartisan legislation sitting in Congress to fight unemployment, reform the disability claims process and update the new GI Bill. Congress is making progress, but with summer recess just a week away, we need Presidential leadership to push to get it done. Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are tired of waiting. It's time for action. And that's exactly what I told the President.

We'll be working the rest of the summer to make sure the Administration and Congress make vets a priority. And with your help, the next time we visit the White House, we'll be there for a bill signing.

Thank you for always getting our back.