Veterans & Armed Forces Archives - Congresswoman Cheri Bustos

Ensuring our National Security and Standing up for our Veterans

After more than a decade at war and with ISIS terrorists doing everything in their power to spread violence across the globe, America must be both tough and smart to ensure our national security. In order to best secure our national interests and protect the American people, as well as our allies in the international community, it is vitally important that we ensure our armed forces remain the best-trained, best-prepared and best-equipped in the world.

A strong military is in the interest of the nation as a whole, as well as our region. The Rock Island Arsenal in the Quad-Cities, the Air National Guard unit based outside Peoria, and major aerospace companies in Rockford employ many thousands across our district. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to ensure that we’re providing our military with the tools they need to succeed while positioning our region to continue to be a leader in our national defense efforts.

But, as we provide our troops with everything they need to get the job done, we must also keep our promise to our veterans who have bravely served our nation, many of whom made tremendous sacrifices on our behalf. Our veterans have earned the right to the best care and support possible as they return from battlefields overseas. This is why I strongly support providing returning service members with job training, college opportunities, and financial planning in order to help those transitioning back into our communities and the workforce. I also support fully funding veterans’ health care benefits and providing state-of-the-art care for traumatic brain injuries and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I am also working to make sure the Veterans Administration system is easy to navigate and provides veterans with the needed benefits they earned and deserve. This is why I’m making it a priority to hold the VA accountable for the quality and timeliness of the care they provide to those who have worn the uniform. To read about the current data about how our VA Health Clinics and Hospitals are performing, click here.

More on Veterans & Armed Forces

Press Release

July 12, 2019

VIDEO: Bustos Helps Pass Robust National Defense Bill

VIDEO: Watch Congresswoman Bustos Speak in Support of the National Defense Authorization Act Following Bustos’ Bipartisan Congressional Mission to Middle East, National Defense Authorization Act Passes Full House With Critical Bustos Amendments Included WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, helped pass the National Defense […]

Press Release

July 2, 2019

Bustos Statement on Toyota Adopting Protections for Spouses of Injured Servicemembers

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) applauded Toyota’s recent decision to provide protections for spouses of servicemembers who sustain catastrophic injury detailed in her bipartisan, bicameral legislation – the Gold Star Spouses and Spouses of Injured Servicemembers Leasing Relief Expansion Act. This bill would extend home and automobile leasing protections in the Servicemembers Civil Relief […]

Press Release

June 25, 2019

Bustos Helps Pass Major Funding Package to Strengthen Water Infrastructure, Support Local Workers, Peoria Ag Lab, Rural Veterans & Military Projects

Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey Praises Bustos’ “Tireless Work” for Illinois’ 17th District With Critical Bustos Provisions Included, Five-Bill Appropriations Minibus Passes Full House WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped pass a major funding package out of the House of Representatives. The legislation is a five-bill minibus […]

Press Release

May 23, 2019

PHOTOS: Bustos Welcomes Veterans from Peoria Honor Flight to Washington

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) greeted 80 veterans from Peoria’s Honor Flight at the World War II Memorial. The veterans she welcomed to our nation’s capital today served in World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War. The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization committed to bringing veterans to our nation’s […]