[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 176 (Wednesday, October 25, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S5179]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO MICHIGAN'S VETERANS

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise today to salute the people of 
Michigan past and present who have served in our Armed Forces and to 
honor their families.
  There are few actions as selfless as serving in our military. When 
our Nation called, these brave Michiganders stood up. They were willing 
to be sent anywhere--at any time--in order to protect our Nation, our 
people, and our values. Some of them never came home. Others came home, 
but were never quite the same. And many continue to serve their 
communities long after their military commitment is fulfilled: a U.S. 
Marine veteran from Holland who walks across the State each year to 
raise awareness of mental health issues and to highlight organizations 
that serve veterans; an Air Force veteran in Mid-Michigan who shares 
her own painful story about trying to fit in to help support other 
historically excluded veterans; an Upper Peninsula veteran who has 
spent decades coaching and mentoring young people through youth sports.
  These veterans have our backs. It is crucial that we have theirs, 
too. That is why I was so pleased when President Biden signed the 
bipartisan PACT Act into law last year. This law helps ensure that 
veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange, burn pits, and other toxic 
substances during their service receive the healthcare and benefits 
they have earned.
  One year later, the Department of Veterans Affairs has received more 
than 780,000 disability claims under the PACT Act and approved more 
than 348,000. And more than 111,000 veterans have enrolled in VA 
healthcare, including nearly 10,000 in Michigan. These 10,000 Michigan 
veterans served honorably and bravely. Sadly, they have paid a price 
for that service. And just as they were there for us in our Nation's 
time of need, now we can be with them in theirs.
  Whether it is healthcare, education, a chance at a good job, or 
military recognition, veterans should not stand at the back of the line 
for anything. That is what my dad--a World War II veteran--taught me, 
and I have spent my time in public service ensuring that we keep our 
promises to our veterans. The PACT Act is one more promise kept.
  On this Veterans Day and every day, I salute everyone who has served 
in our military and their families. I thank them for their service, 
their sacrifice, and their deep dedication to our Nation. Every day, 
they show us what patriotism is all about.

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