8. Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families

CORE PROMISE: Service should never come with bureaucratic punishment - support should be fast, clear, and dignified.

Service members give everything to defend the nation, yet too often the nation does not defend them in return. The challenges they face — both during and after service — are complex, interconnected, and frequently ignored by policymakers.

Government shutdowns threaten military pay and PCS orders. Housing shortages, unsafe barracks, and long waitlists for childcare strain families already juggling deployments and relocations. Military spouses face chronic unemployment because professional licenses do not transfer across states. Military children struggle with constant school changes, credit transfers, disrupted special-education plans, and a lack of tutoring or stability.

Veterans transitioning out of service often lose access to BAH/BAS before securing housing or stable employment - which ultimately leads to increases in debt and veteran homelessness before VA benefits kick in. Many rural or suburban areas in MD-05 lack adequate VA healthcare access, especially mental-health and specialty care.

Service members deserve clarity, stability, and dignity — not bureaucratic chaos, financial uncertainty, or inadequate support systems.

HOW I’LL WORK TO FIX IT:

Sponsor the “Seamless Transition Act” (bridge support, benefits continuity) to provide additional support during career transition

Cut VA wait times with staffing, scheduling modernization, claims processing, and accountability metrics to provide our veteran community the exceptional service they deserve

Expand mental-health access and crisis support for veterans and families in support off H.R. 1290 (Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act of 2025)

Push housing vouchers and prevention programs for at-risk and homeless veterans

Modernize the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) timelines and disability claim reviews, so families aren’t left in limbo

Protect pay stability during government shutdowns so military families aren’t held hostage

Support passage of H.R. 3639 (VET PFAS Act) to ensure veterans exposed to toxic chemicals get the care and compensation they deserve

MD-05 FOCUS POINT:

I will fight to obtain funding for additional satellite facilities or an additional VA Clinic in MD-05