Issues

Americans have demanded change after seeing what happens when our veterans return from service only to become invisible to the leaders who called for their sacrifices.

But Hillary has been a champion for proper treatment of our troops -- while they are serving and when they return -- since long before America learned about the abuses at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

As president, Hillary will ensure that all those who sacrifice on behalf of our country receive the help and care they need to heal their wounds. They not only deserve our country's gratitude and support; they deserve the gold standard in health care and benefits when they return home. That is our most solemn obligation to those who have put their lives on the line for our country.

Once our troops have fulfilled their obligations to our country, our country must fulfill its obligations to them. As First Lady and the first member of the Senate Armed Services Committee from New York, Hillary has witnessed firsthand the incredible courage and honor of our troops and has been a relentless advocate for veterans and for the men and women currently serving in our military.

To fulfill our promises to the nation's veterans, Hillary has proposed:

• Fully funding our veterans' health care system and providing intensive care for vets suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.
• Reducing the red tape our wounded service members and veterans face.
• Increasing pay and benefits for our troops and their families.
• Expanding educational benefits for those who serve.
• Providing support and assistance for the children, spouses, and families of those troops who make the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Hillary has a strong record of results when it comes to fighting for troops and veterans. She has advocated on behalf of 3,800 individual service members and vets who face obstacles dealing with the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration.

She has stood up to the Pentagon to demand that our troops get the support they need, including training and body armor. And she passed the Heroes at Home Act, which ensures adequate care for veterans who have suffered traumatic brain injuries.

As First Lady, she helped call attention to Gulf War Syndrome. And as a senator, she has passed legislation that:

• Creates a health tracking system for all active-duty personnel and reservists to ensure they receive regular checkups.
• Provides all Guard and Reserve members, whether they are on active duty or not, with access to military health care benefits.
• Protects our troops against unscrupulous financial practices like predatory lending and insurance scams.
• Raises the military survivor benefit from $12,000 to $100,000.