August Monthly Column: Taking Care of Alabama's Bravest

As the son of a World War II veteran, one of the main reasons I ran for U.S. Senate was to ensure the federal government was fulfilling its obligation to provide our great veterans with the timely, quality care earned through their service to this great country. It is the least we can do to give back to those who have sacrificed so much on behalf of our freedom.

Unlike other countries, the U.S. military is, proudly, an all-volunteer force. Throughout our history, millions of Americans have CHOSEN to put their lives on the line so that we may walk, talk, and live freely. It is important that we honor the bravery and legacy of this fighting force once they return home from battle and settle into civilian life. Representing these men and women in Congress has been the honor of a lifetime.

Alabama is home to 400,000 veterans. I have had the honor of traveling around Alabama to meet veterans from every corner of our state and to hear stories of their valor. Without fail, each veteran I talk to is passionate about patriotism, community service, and taking care of those who are less fortunate. So many choose to spend their time after the military supporting their neighbors who need it most. It is past time we hold up our end of the deal and present viable solutions to the issues these men and women are facing.

Luckily, President Trump and Secretary Collins have done an extraordinary job righting the wrongs of the previous administration. They are putting our nation’s veterans first – unlike the Biden administration who prioritized the woke mob and illegal aliens over our veterans. The Trump administration is increasing Community Care options for rural veterans, addressing the mental health crisis among veterans, and creating new treatment options for veterans looking for alternate forms of care without breaking the bank. I have been working hand in glove with them to present legislative solutions to some of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of our vets.

It can be hard to keep up with what’s going on here in the Swamp, so I wanted to highlight some of the bills I’ve introduced to better support Alabama’s veterans. The ACCESS Act – which recently passed out of Committee – and the Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act will streamline options for Community Care within the VA system. The HBOT Access Act opens up treatment options to vets who have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act makes it easier for vets with disabilities to be made financially whole. The COLA Act would ensure disability compensation keeps pace with inflation and the Veterans First Act of 2025 addresses the backlog of repairs desperately needed for our State Veterans Homes by redirecting USAID funds.

I am also proud that my bill, the Veterans Homecare Choice Act and several others, recently passed out of committee and look forward to seeing it get a vote on the Senate floor. This bill gives veterans greater flexibility when choosing homecare options – it’s commonsense and I’m encouraged that my colleagues think so too. Seeing that these bills are signed into law is a top priority for me before I leave Congress – our veterans need long term solutions.

This week, I am holding a hearing right here in Alabama, on behalf of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. At this hearing we will hear from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, experts in the field, and several veterans to discuss how to best serve veterans struggling with their mental health. We need to quit slapping a band aid on these men and women who are dealing with deep-seeding problems as a result from their time in service. We are going to discuss alternate forms of care – like HBOT treatment and psychedelic-assisted therapy that is being considered by the FDA as we speak – and I hope we walk away from our conversation with a real plan we can implement.

These patriots are all around you – in your neighborhood, church, workplace, or gym. Whether it’s through their small businesses, community service, or work to inspire youth of today to become the soldiers of tomorrow, we are lucky they have chosen to call the Yellowhammer State home.

Opinions expressed are the views of the write alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Alabama Gazette staff or publishers.