Getting the Backs of Veterans
ENGLEWOOD, NJ — Josh Gottheimer was joined by retired four-star Army general, Wes Clark, for a Get Out The Vote veterans meet and greet at the American Legion in Englewood.
“Josh, the first thing I want to say is I really admire what you’ve done as Congressman. You truly are the model of a professional, dedicated servant of the people that every democratic country in the world is looking for. Thank you for what you’re doing for Bergen County, for the people in this room, for New Jersey, and the example you set for America,” said Ret. General Wes Clark.
“It was an honor to be joined by General Clark. America is both safer and stronger because of him and I am grateful for his service. For our veterans, I believe we always have to get the backs of those who’ve had ours. There is nothing more important in this job than my responsibility to have the backs of those who have served our great country. Whether that’s at the VA, a mental health issue, or helping a veteran get a job when you come back home,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer. “I’m proud to have worked across the aisle to improve veterans’ benefits and care, and to continue that work to find common ground to ensure North Jersey’s veterans receive the benefits they deserve.”
Gottheimer was joined by Retired General Wes Clark, Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, NJ State Senator Gordon Johnson, Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes, Bergen County Commissioners Mary Amoroso, Tom Sullivan, and Germaine Ortiz, Chairman Paul Juliano, Chairwoman Cobb, Assemblywoman Haider, Councilman Charles Cobb, Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton, and North Jersey veterans.
Bipartisan PACT Act: Gottheimer recently helped get the PACT Act signed into law, which included his key bipartisan provision to examine the impacts toxic exposure has had on our veterans’ mental health. The bipartisan PACT Act will expand access to VA care and benefits to roughly 3.5 million of our brave veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic substances. Of the more than 200,000 veterans who have signed up for the VA’s burn pit registry, 70 percent of claims have been denied. Now, the PACT Act will help change that for Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan-era veterans exposed to toxic substances while serving overseas.
VA Community Care Network: Gottheimer has worked with the VA Community Care Network to ensure eligible North Jersey veterans are able to receive referrals for community care at ImageCare Centers across the Fifth District. He has fought to make sure there are adequate facilities to enable faster care, shorter travel times, and improved access to the benefits veterans have earned — especially in parts of North Jersey that have seen much harder access to VA facilities.
Expanding Mental Health Care Access: The bipartisan Student Veterans Counseling Centers Eligibility Act, which will expand access to mental health services for veterans utilizing their GI Benefits at colleges and universities through established Vet Centers.
Boosting Education Access to Veteran Families: The bipartisan Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act, which will require public colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition under the Department of Veterans Affairs Survivors’ and Dependents’ educational assistance program to the families of service members who die or become disabled.
Supporting Veteran Families: The bipartisan Protecting Moms Who Served Act, which requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to implement a maternity care coordination program that coordinates, supports, and trains community maternity care providers to serve the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum veterans.
