Veterans

Those who have given the fullest measure of devotion to America are those who have risked their lives in our defense, the men and women who now serve and have served in our armed forces. Therefore, no family of an active service member and no family of a veteran should live in poverty; and, no veteran should be homeless, or hungry, or uncared for.

Those who have given the fullest measure of devotion to America are those who have risked their lives in our defense, the men and women who now serve and have served in our armed forces. Therefore, no family of an active service member and no family of a veteran should live in poverty; and, no veteran should be homeless, or hungry, or uncared for.

Stearns’ record on veterans issues demonstrates a lack of true support for those who have served their country. For example, he voted NO on granting a bonus to American service members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, including National Guard and Reserve Forces (HR 3289, 2003).

He voted NO on expanding access to the military’s TRICARE health insurance program for thousands of Reservists and National Guard members (HR 1815, 2005).

He voted NO on the new GI Bill before being pressured by me and by members of his own party into changing to an affirmative vote at the last minute.

Stearns earned a "C" rating from the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America.
He had only a 38% rating from the Viet Nam Veterans of America, and a 7% rating from the Retired Enlisted Association.
And for five years the Disabled American Veterans had given Stearns a 0% rating.

While it is commendable that VA facilities are being expanded in north Florida, this is a development one would naturally expect as the veteran population of the region increases, regardless of who the congressman is.

In addition to expanded VA facilities, Tim Cunha wants all veterans, regardless of age, to be immediately eligible for Medicare for themselves, their spouses, and their dependent children. Then, they can obtain healthcare at any hospital and from any doctor without the wait and bureaucracy often involved with the VA, and without regard to whether or not the medical condition is service-related.