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

January 13, 2020

Bustos Announces 2020 Valentines for Veterans

Washington – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL) announced her seventh annual “Valentines for Veterans” program, encouraging families across Illinois’ 17th Congressional District to show appreciation for our service members by making homemade Valentine’s Day cards. Congresswoman Bustos has delivered more than 1,000 Valentines to local veterans since first launching the program. “As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’m […]

Press Release

January 1, 2020

2019 YEAR IN REVIEW: Bustos Continues to Deliver Real Results for Illinois Families

Washington – Throughout 2019, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos continued to fight for Illinoisans, securing a number of significant victories. From helping Gold Star families and injured veterans, to increasing rural access to healthcare, to working to lower prescription drug costs, Congresswoman Bustos worked across the aisle to deliver commonsense solutions for Illinois families. Highlights of this year’s […]

Press Release

December 11, 2019

Bustos Helps Pass National Defense Authorization Act With Local Wins

Bustos’ Bill to Provide Relief to Gold Star Spouses and Spouses of Injured Servicemembers Included in Final Package Washington – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, helped pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included her key provisions to support Gold Star families and spouses […]

Press Release

November 18, 2019

BUSTOS INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO HONOR SENIOR AIRMAN DANIEL MILLER JR. BY RENAMING THE POST OFFICE IN GALESBURG, ILLINOIS, IN HIS MEMORY

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) introduced legislation to rename the U.S. Post Office on East Main Street in Galesburg, Illinois, as the “Senior Airman Daniel Miller Post Office Building.” Senior Airman Miller was killed in action protecting our nation on January 7, 2007 by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device while performing duties in […]