As a combat veteran who spent over two decades in uniform, I’ve seen firsthand the sacrifices our servicemembers make — and the burdens their families continue to carry long after the deployment ends.
Some return home with injuries that require lifelong care. Some families never get to welcome their loved one home at all. In every case, our country made them a promise that their service and sacrifice would never be forgotten. Too often, we have fallen short on that promise.
The problem: Survivor and disability benefits for veterans and Gold Star families haven’t seen a meaningful increase in over two decades — even as the cost of medical care, in-home assistance, and daily living expenses continue to rise.
One of the most important parts of my job is making sure Iowa veterans and their families aren’t left to navigate the VA alone. Last year, an Iowa family came to our office simply trying to access the survivor benefits they had already earned — not asking for special treatment, just answers and accountability.
Joan’s story is one example of what that looks like: ⬇️
Helping one family through casework matters. Fixing the system for every family matters even more. That’s why this week, the House passed the bipartisan Veterans Benefits Expansion Act with my support. This legislation strengthens support for Gold Star families and disabled veterans by:
💰 Boosting survivor benefits for Gold Star families for the first time in two decades
🏥 Providing up to $10,000 in assistance for disabled veterans who require in-home care
🤝 Expanding VA home loan eligibility for Guard and Reserve members who serve on active duty
Bottom Line: Iowa’s servicemembers spent years putting the mission first and sacrificing time away from loved ones to defend our freedoms. We have a responsibility to ensure our country keeps its promise to them long after they return home and the uniform comes off.