In honor of Veterans Day, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) held a roundtable conversation with veteran community leaders in Houston, including Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center Director of Suicide Prevention Programs Elizabeth Kleeman; Houston VA Communications Director Maureen Dyman; Houston Veterans Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dave Weaver; Houston Veterans Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Chair Amy Skicki; and Veteran Association of Real Estate Professionals of Houston Government Affairs Director Carlos Torres. 

“Our veterans have made sacrifices to serve our country, and it is our duty to ensure that when they return home, they have the resources and benefits they have earned and deserve as they transition back to civilian life,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “I was glad to hear from veteran community leaders about issues important to veterans and their families—including VA benefits and mental health resources, including the PACT Act—and to discuss how we can work together to help veterans and their families access the resources available to them.  I am committed to ensuring Congress honors its obligations to our veterans, and I am grateful to all of the leaders in our Houston veteran community who serve our veterans every single day.”

In May 2021, Congresswoman Fletcher introduced the Advancing Uniform Transportation Opportunities (AUTO) for Veterans Act, H.R. 3304, which expands the eligibility for disabled veterans to obtain vehicles modified for their disabilities.  In December 2022, Congress passed the bill and President Biden signed it into law. 

In July 2022, Congresswoman Fletcher voted for the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, H.R. 3967, the most comprehensive legislation to date to address American servicemembers’ exposure to burn pits and other toxic substances.  President Biden signed this legislation into law, which expands access to health care for millions of veterans, their families, and their caregivers.  For more information about how the PACT Act is helping veterans and their survivors, visit VA’s PACT Act Dashboard.