Veterans
As Chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, Jon is one of Congress’ most effective advocates for veterans. He is committed to working with both Republicans and Democrats to hold VA accountable, pass meaningful legislative reforms, and follow through on this country’s steadfast commitment to the men and women who have served.
Jon knows we must work to improve access to health care, benefits, jobs, education, transportation, and housing for veterans. And he believes that Congress must take their marching orders from veterans— not the other way around. That's why Jon routinely holds veteran hearings and meetings in Montana to hear from veterans face-to-face.
Tester is spearheading legislation to ensure that all veterans are getting the benefits and care they’ve earned. He teamed up with Republicans to pass the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act into law, to ensure that more veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange can access essential care and benefits. In a political climate when not much is getting done in Washington, Jon successfully worked with Republicans and President Trump to push this bill over the finish line.
He is also continuing to hold VA accountable by making sure that they implement the VA MISSION Act as intended by Congress. Jon is also pushing legislation protecting veterans’ disability payments and calling on VA to implement strategies to relieve financial burdens on veterans in Montana and across the country. And he’s pushing to change the VA’s approach to veterans’ mental health care and suicide prevention through his bipartisan Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019.
As the number of women in the military increase, Jon is also spearheading a number of bills including the Deborah Sampson Act, focused on improving VA services to empower and better serve women veterans.
Jon believes veterans deserve action. And they also deserve elected officials who will stand up for them, not stand in their way. He is deeply grateful for the many sacrifices veterans have made for this nation, and he won't stop until the men and women in uniform receive the quality benefits and care they have earned.
Related News
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September 11, 2021| View More
Tester Statement on Anniversary of September 11th Attacks
U.S. Senator Jon Tester, Chairman of both the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, today released the following statement in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks:
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September 9, 2021| View More
Tester, Moran, Manchin, Boozman Urge Reforms to Increase Oversight of VA Medical Facilities Nationwide
Independent watchdog reports detailed failed oversight of care for veterans in West Virginia and Arkansas
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September 8, 2021| View More
Tester, Moran Statement Following Reported Decrease in Veteran Suicides Nationwide
Senators: “This report makes clear that VA’s ongoing efforts to improve mental health and suicide prevention have made a tangible, life-saving impact on our nation’s veterans.”
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September 1, 2021| View More
Tester, Moran Address Veterans of Afghanistan and Their Families Following Completed U.S. Military Withdrawal
Senators: "Our country is better off because of who you are, what you have done, and what you will do"
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August 31, 2021| View More
Tester Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand GI Bill Benefits for Montana Guardsmen and Reservists
The Senator's GRAD VA Educational Assistance Parity Act would permit additional federal active duty service performed by guardsmen and reservists under certain duty statuses to count towards their GI Bill eligibility
