Expand mental health care and suicide prevention for veterans
Extend VA care to more veterans, like those exposed to toxins
Cut red tape and bureaucracy at the VA
Expand health care for women veterans
“In Congress, she fought to pass the PACT Act–the largest expansion of veterans’ health care in our lifetime, cut health care and prescription drug costs, secured direct investments in our communities, and passed legislation to provide three cost-of-living increases for our veterans.”
“As the Chairwoman of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs, Congresswoman Luria successfully advanced this long overdue legislation to provide these essential VA healthcare benefits for the estimated 52,000 Blue Water Navy Veterans.”
“In Congress, I will continue to fight for my fellow veterans to reverse the devastating DOGE cuts endorsed by Jen Kiggans that have gutted veterans’ care, work to cut red tape in the VA system, and ensure that our veterans get the care they need and deserve.”
“Women now make up the fastest growing group of veterans enrolling in VA health care and deserve quality mental health care to address issues such as PTSD and military sexual trauma”
Pay VA staff fairly and protect their working conditions
“In Congress, I will continue to fight for my fellow veterans to reverse the devastating DOGE cuts endorsed by Jen Kiggans that have gutted veterans’ care, work to cut red tape in the VA system, and ensure that our veterans get the care they need and deserve.”
“I am concerned that the VA and Secretary Wilkie have yet to provide their employees with commonsense accommodations such as paid leave or the option to telework. On behalf of the VA employees and the veterans in our district who rely on their public service, I am calling on Secretary Wilkie to take swift action to ensure those working at the VA will be protected.”
Expand mental health care for veterans and service members
“Women now make up the fastest growing group of veterans enrolling in VA health care and deserve quality mental health care to address issues such as PTSD and military sexual trauma”
Make veterans' benefits keep up with the cost of living
Expand and strengthen veterans' benefits
“In Congress, she fought to pass the PACT Act–the largest expansion of veterans’ health care in our lifetime, cut health care and prescription drug costs, secured direct investments in our communities, and passed legislation to provide three cost-of-living increases for our veterans.”
“During this public health emergency, it is more important now than ever to provide this cost-of-living adjustment to disabled veterans who depend on their benefits to pay for necessities”
“From the largest expansion of veterans benefits in our lifetimes to cutting prescription drug costs, I fought for and passed legislation in Congress that has had a real impact on the lives of people who put their trust in me.”
“I also introduced and passed the Gold Star Families Act to provide tax relief for Gold Star families and championed legislation to provide three cost of living increases to veterans.”
“I also pressed the Department of Veterans Affairs to find ways to make veterans jobs programs easier to use, cosponsored legislation to increase veteran access to employment programs, and cosponsored a bipartisan bill to increase education opportunities.”
Other things the site says about defense and veterans (29)
“As a Navy veteran and representing a district with deep military ties, Elaine secured historic investments in shipbuilding and ensured our men and women in uniform had the tools and resources needed to protect our freedoms abroad and themselves.”
“During this public health emergency, it is more important than ever to provide our service members and their families with affordable and accessible health care.”
“The 2017 Trump tax cuts, that Scott Taylor voted for, resulted in Gold Star families seeing a tax hike as high as 37 percent. I am proud to have worked with Gold Star Mothers from Virginia Beach and over 100 of my colleagues in Congress to correct this mistake.”
“In Congress, I served on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and was instrumental in passing the PACT Act–the largest expansion of veterans’ benefits in our lifetime.”
“As a 20-year Navy veteran, I know how important it is to protect the homeland and ensure that our men and women in uniform have the resources and equipment they need to fight for and defend our freedoms.”
“Hateful activities such as extremism have no place in the military, and, the stand-down is designed to get that message across to our military members”
“We’re going to build two Virginia Class submarines and ten ships in the plan. And we need to take care of our military and infrastructures and our military readiness. And this is the bill that authorizes those things each year.”
“Our military members face countless threats when they choose to support and defend our country, including dangerous missions all over the world. And while this may be part of the job, threats, mistreatment, and sexual assault at the hands of fellow service members are not.”
“We need to build more ships as quickly as we can. We need to maintain and deploy the ships we have as efficiently as possible. And we need to quit decommissioning ships faster than we can build them.”
“Over 9 million veterans receive services from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and during this pandemic it is unacceptable that some are unable to access critical information due to accessibility issues”
“We want to do more, but I really feel like the Navy should do a better job communicating – not just to us, who are going to put the pieces together in the National Defense Authorization Act, but to the American public about why this is so essential to our national defense. … You need to build a Navy. A Navy to do what?”
“The burden of proof shouldn’t be on our veterans to get the benefits they deserve, and there’s no reason that they and their survivors should have to fight VA for the care and benefits they earned”
“We cannot allow our veterans to face the same hardship as the veterans of past battles, who were exposed to toxins but waited decades for the research to catch up. They need to be compensated now for their sacrifice to our country”
“Even though the LCS can bring significant contributions in you AOR (Area of Responsibility), the Navy wants to grow its fleet, yet they intend to decommission the first LCS in class”
“Certainly, I think we have to continue to emphasize that the nuclear deterrent is the cornerstone of our national defense, and the most survivable leg of our nuclear triad continues to our ballistic missile defense submarines”
“Before we focus on a Battleforce 2045 plan, we need a Battleforce 2025 plan — an all-hands-on deck effort with every available ship — and we need it now. We must quickly determine what ships we can build, which soon-to-be-decommissioned ships can be extended and furthermore, evaluate ships that can be reactivated to provide critical naval presence. We must also make the requisite investments in our industrial base to support these efforts.”
“With the recent acquisition failures on the last several ship classes, those of us on this committee are skeptical of the Navy’s ability to shepherd this new technology into employable assets that contribute to the lethality of those forces”
“In Congress, I voted to codify Roe v. Wade and enshrine the right to an abortion nationwide into law, protect the right to travel for abortion services, and ensure access to reproductive care without government interference.”
“I will continue to advocate and fight for policies that enshrine the right to choose into federal law and ensure access to reproductive care to those who need it.”
Lower health care costs, including premiums and out-of-pocket costs
Cap what patients pay in premiums and out-of-pocket costs
Lower prescription drug prices
Curb consolidation and private equity ownership in health care
Protect patients from medical debt
“In Congress, she fought to pass the PACT Act–the largest expansion of veterans’ health care in our lifetime, cut health care and prescription drug costs, secured direct investments in our communities, and passed legislation to provide three cost-of-living increases for our veterans.”
“When she gets to Congress, Elaine will always put Hampton Roads first and work to lower prices, make health care more affordable, create opportunities, and improve the lives of our veterans and military families.”
“From lowering ACA premiums, to taking on Big Pharma to cut prescription drug costs, to cutting seniors’ out-of-pocket drug costs and capping insulin at $35 a month, Elaine has a record of delivering affordable and accessible health care for every member of her community.”
“Now she’s running to cut the cost of care, cut the complexity of care, and close the rural health care gap, so no Virginian has to pay too much, spend too much time, or travel too far just to get the care they need.”
“Cut health care costs for working families by cracking down on predatory medical debt collectors, pharmaceutical monopolies, and Wall Street firms buying up hospitals for profit.”
“I also proudly voted to stand up to Big Pharma and slash prescription drug costs, cap out of pocket expenses for seniors, and cap the price of insulin at $35 a month for seniors.”
“I will continue to build on the progress we made in Congress to strengthen the ACA, reinstate the ACA tax credits that helped lower costs for middle class families, expand access to health care, cut prescription drug prices, and ensure Medicaid and Medicare are properly funded.”
“From lowering ACA premiums, to taking on Big Pharma to cut prescription drug costs, to cutting seniors’ out-of-pocket drug costs and capping insulin at $35 a month, Elaine has a record of delivering affordable and accessible health care for every member of her community.”
“Cut health care costs for seniors by expanding the number of drugs Medicare can negotiate on and extending the reduced cost benefits to people on private insurance.”
Keep Medicare funded and solvent for the long term
“I will continue to build on the progress we made in Congress to strengthen the ACA, reinstate the ACA tax credits that helped lower costs for middle class families, expand access to health care, cut prescription drug prices, and ensure Medicaid and Medicare are properly funded.”
“We must honor our commitments to our seniors and retirees. I will continue to advocate for strengthening Medicare and Social Security, stand firm against any efforts to gut seniors’ hard-earned benefits, and oppose cuts to these critical programs.”
“The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act will expand access to quality healthcare, lower out-of-pocket costs of prescription drugs, combat racial disparities in health care, and crack down on discriminatory practices against those with pre-existing conditions”
“I will continue to build on the progress we made in Congress to strengthen the ACA, reinstate the ACA tax credits that helped lower costs for middle class families, expand access to health care, cut prescription drug prices, and ensure Medicaid and Medicare are properly funded.”
“Now she’s running to cut the cost of care, cut the complexity of care, and close the rural health care gap, so no Virginian has to pay too much, spend too much time, or travel too far just to get the care they need.”
“I will continue to build on the progress we made in Congress to strengthen the ACA, reinstate the ACA tax credits that helped lower costs for middle class families, expand access to health care, cut prescription drug prices, and ensure Medicaid and Medicare are properly funded.”
“Help rural hospitals stay open by restoring the $1 trillion Jen Kiggans and Donald Trump cut from Medicaid in order to give tax cuts to billionaires.”
Protect, strengthen and expand the Affordable Care Act
Restore and extend the ACA premium tax credits
Protect coverage for people with pre-existing conditions
“The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Enhancement Act will expand access to quality healthcare, lower out-of-pocket costs of prescription drugs, combat racial disparities in health care, and crack down on discriminatory practices against those with pre-existing conditions”
“While in Congress, I was proud to be one of the key votes in favor of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits, which made health care more affordable for Virginia families.”
“I will continue to build on the progress we made in Congress to strengthen the ACA, reinstate the ACA tax credits that helped lower costs for middle class families, expand access to health care, cut prescription drug prices, and ensure Medicaid and Medicare are properly funded.”
Simplify health insurance and cut its paperwork and overhead
“Cut the complexity of care for patients and providers by standardizing insurance paperwork and billing requirements, and modernizing the Prior Authorization process.”
Protect and strengthen rural hospitals so they stay open
Reverse or block Medicaid and other health care cuts that strain rural hospitals
“Help rural hospitals stay open by restoring the $1 trillion Jen Kiggans and Donald Trump cut from Medicaid in order to give tax cuts to billionaires.”
Curb predatory collection, interest and lending on medical debt
“Cut health care costs for working families by cracking down on predatory medical debt collectors, pharmaceutical monopolies, and Wall Street firms buying up hospitals for profit.”
Bring more health workers to rural and underserved areas
“Ensure equal health care access for rural Virginians by expanding federal loan repayment for doctors and nurses who commit to serving at least five years in rural communities.”
Reform prior authorization and insurer reviews of care
“Cut the complexity of care for patients and providers by standardizing insurance paperwork and billing requirements, and modernizing the Prior Authorization process.”
“Hospitals and health care workers across Coastal Virginia are reporting inadequate supplies of PPE. We must ensure a robust national response to provide PPE to health care professionals whose work is essential to keeping our communities safe and healthy.”
“Expand access to telehealth, mobile health clinics, community health centers, and rural emergency medical services so geography isn’t a barrier to care.”
Avoid unnecessary wars, using force only as a last resort
“I will continue to fight to improve the quality of life for active duty military personnel and their families, ensure they have the resources they need to deter our adversaries and keep us safe, serve as a check against reckless foreign wars that put our service members at risk and cost American taxpayers, and strengthen our border security.”
Demand tougher terms than the 2015 Iran nuclear deal
“I used my experience in the Navy to champion legislation in Congress that provided troops with a pay raise, invested in our warfighters, strengthened naval seapower, and led efforts to deter our enemies like Russia, China, and Iran.”
“I wasn’t in Congress at the time to vote on this, but I think I would have voted against the Iran deal. I think it was a bad deal from the start: the sunset clauses, the fact that it didn’t prevent Iran from getting the other components necessary – such as the actual missile technology – in order to create a nuclear weapon if they were ultimately successful in enriching uranium”
“We need strong voices to show that this is our most important ally in the Middle East and that the relationship is critical to our national defense – and that it’s the right thing to do”
“Not only Israel, but the U.S. and our European allies need to really strike that balance. You can only deal with diplomacy and important issues if you also carry a big stick to be able to respond, if necessary, and eventually to prevent the kind of military action that is not desired.”
“We must be present protecting critical sea-lanes, providing a credible deterrent, and persistently operating in their backyard; China and Russia must understand that if clearly delineated red lines are violated, we will act to defend our allies, interests, and ultimately our values — over theirs.”
Support human rights and democracy in Hong Kong and China
“I used my experience in the Navy to champion legislation in Congress that provided troops with a pay raise, invested in our warfighters, strengthened naval seapower, and led efforts to deter our enemies like Russia, China, and Iran.”
“Imprisoning dissidents further erodes our trust in China’s commitment to human rights and makes it even more difficult to find common ground. The United States stands with the people of Hong Kong and those resisting the oppressive actions of the PRC.”
“We must be present protecting critical sea-lanes, providing a credible deterrent, and persistently operating in their backyard; China and Russia must understand that if clearly delineated red lines are violated, we will act to defend our allies, interests, and ultimately our values — over theirs.”
Other things the site says about foreign affairs and aid (4)
“The war in Iran is another unnecessary and endless military intervention in the Middle East that is putting a strain on working families in Hampton Roads, and costing precious American lives and resources that should be spent here at home. Moreover, the war has left Americans no safer, and has emboldened Iran and done nothing to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions or support for terrorist proxies.”
“Certainly, if there was any time that progress could be made or U.S. involvement – or involvement alongside our allies – could help move that along and actually make that happen, then I would certainly lean in on that and make it a priority.”
“The U.S. and its allies must understand that Mare Liberum, the free sea, is a fragile, all-or-nothing, concept that must be uniformly supported if it is to survive and continue to benefit all of mankind.”
Step up investigations and penalties for corrupt officials
End corruption in Washington
“Putting an end to this culture of corruption starts with two major changes:ending the influence special interests have on our political system and stopping the bad policies it leads to which drive up our costs.”
“No one should profit off of holding office–especially members of Congress who write our nation’s laws, regulate industry, and receive classified briefings that members of the public cannot access.I support banning members of Congress and their families from trading individual stocks while holding office.”
“Members of Congress, congressional staff, executive branch employees, and political appointees should not use nonpublic information to buy, sell, or exchange prediction market contracts related to political outcomes or government policy. Public servants should never make money on the policies and decisions they help make and shape–especially those with access to classified or national security information.”
“I believe that members who steal taxpayer funds, including blatant tax evasion, should serve mandatory jail time and be expelled from Congress. No questions asked.”
“The Citizens United decision has allowed dark money, special interests, and the ultra-wealthy to corrode and abuse our political system and democracy. Congress must pass a law to significantly reduce the influence that dark money and special interests have on our elections and in our system.”
“I was proud to support legislation that overturns the disastrous Citizens United decision when in Congress, and I will continue to fight for the For the People Act to restore fairness and power back to the people.”
“Politicians from both parties have abused the pardon system to reward their families and wealthy and well-connected donors with political favors. It’s true when then President Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter and it’s true when President Trump pardoned a Chinese cryptocurrency billionaire who was in prison for enabling money laundering. That’s unacceptable, and we must reform the current system so that those with money and connections don’t get special treatment.”
Prepare communities and infrastructure for extreme weather
Protect communities from flooding and rising seas
“In Congress, I secured funding to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise, supported legislation to invest in climate resilient infrastructure, and founded the bipartisan Offshore Wind Caucus.”
“I will continue to lead efforts to combat climate change’s impact on our local community, fight against offshore drilling, restore the Chesapeake Bay, and ensure Hampton Roads has clean air and water.”
“I have also been a strong advocate for the Chesapeake Bay, leading the effort to fully fund the EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program at $85 million — ensuring a clean and healthy Bay for our communities, our economy, and our way of life.”
“While we have made significant progress, the health of the Bay is still deteriorating. A senior advisor to the EPA administrator on the Chesapeake Bay will help pave the way to restoration.”
“We’re surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay, and so right here at the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, another thing that Earth Day makes me reflect on is specifically the fact that we need to maintain the health of the bay.”
“I am troubled that developing a communications strategy was prioritized over providing parents vital information related to the health of their children.”
“I will continue to lead efforts to combat climate change’s impact on our local community, fight against offshore drilling, restore the Chesapeake Bay, and ensure Hampton Roads has clean air and water.”
Expand high-speed internet access, including in rural areas
Increase public funding to build out broadband
Provide computers and devices to students and others in need
“A lack of internet access continues to put low-income and rural students at a significant disadvantage compared to their peers. The Emergency Educational Connections Act would provide federal support for WiFi hotspots, modems, routers, and internet-enabled devices to provide students with internet connectivity during this public health emergency.”
“I am pleased to lead this bipartisan bill, which will help the FCC better target its efforts to expand internet access to families throughout Coastal Virginia and our nation. By making reliable internet more accessible, we can open new work and educational opportunities.”
“As a member of the House Rural Broadband Caucus, I will continue to work alongside colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advocate for increased investment in this critical infrastructure.”
“Access to high-speed internet is essential to participating in the modern economy. Reliable, fast internet access can connect people to other communities, health providers, jobs, and even allow them to start their own businesses. Although we have made progress in connecting rural areas to broadband, more work needs to be done”
“The Computers for Veterans and Students Act will distribute surplus federal computers to those in need, such as veterans, students, persons with disabilities, low-income individuals, and seniors. This bipartisan bill has the potential to help many students and veterans in Coastal Virginia, and I am proud to co-lead this initiative.”
“The struggle for equality is far from over, and we must continue to be an ally by advocating for the needs of the Black community—such as criminal justice reform, economic security, and voting rights—in order to effectively bring about real change.”
“I hope this decision serves as a powerful precedent for the LGBTQ+ community to receive equal protection under the law. While this is an important step toward equality, there is more work to do to ensure the entire LGBTQ+ community obtains protection from discrimination throughout our society”
Other things the site says about civil rights and liberties (2)
“We as a nation must come together and begin to heal the divisive wounds left by years of systematic racism in order to move forward together. The protests emerging across the country stemmed from the wrongful killing of George Floyd are a sign that we need to listen to our fellow Black citizens and hear their pleas for equity, respect, and justice.”
“When she gets to Congress, Elaine will always put Hampton Roads first and work to lower prices, make health care more affordable, create opportunities, and improve the lives of our veterans and military families.”
“Working families should be able to get ahead, not just barely get by. I will fight every day in Congress to lower costs for the Virginians who are being left behind by Jen Kiggans and Donald Trump.”
“The American Rescue Plan is critical to expanding access to the vaccine, ending the pandemic and securing the economic recovery for the Eastern Shore”
“This funding will be critical to protecting vital local services that residents depend on and in preventing layoffs that will further weaken the economy”
“I think it’s going to be a big boost for individuals. The immediate cash assistance that people are going to receive is going to be much needed for many people”
“I’ve fought to help businesses, both big and small, across Coastal Virginia create well-paying jobs with good benefits to ensure our economy thrives and opportunities are available to everyone who works hard.”
“I am concerned that the VA and Secretary Wilkie have yet to provide their employees with commonsense accommodations such as paid leave or the option to telework. On behalf of the VA employees and the veterans in our district who rely on their public service, I am calling on Secretary Wilkie to take swift action to ensure those working at the VA will be protected.”
Other things the site says about labor and employment (2)
“While I appreciate that your administration recently devoted $20 million to processing outstanding unemployment claims for struggling individuals, we also need to more effectively enforce existing regulations around unemployment because expediting adjudication will not fully address the concerns of our small businesses.”
Keep guns away from criminals, domestic abusers and others who pose a danger
Reduce gun violence
“Congress must enact policies that reduce preventable gun violence while protecting the constitutional right for law-abiding Americans to bear arms. This bill will help keep firearms from falling into the hands of those who may cause harm to themselves or others.”
“In Congress, I will serve as a check on Trump’s bad decisions that are costing our families, fight to repeal the tariffs, and reverse legislation and policy decisions that have increased energy costs.”
“Talking to Mr. Banister, I learned that if there is a 25% tariff on materials in his cars, that could lead to a big reduction in sales. That will hurt his business and hurt his customers.”
“I also know that a strong border is essential to strengthening our nation’s security, and I was proud to support comprehensive efforts in Congress to deter illegal immigration and strengthen border security, while also providing a pathway to citizenship for those who follow our nation’s laws.”
“I will continue to fight to improve the quality of life for active duty military personnel and their families, ensure they have the resources they need to deter our adversaries and keep us safe, serve as a check against reckless foreign wars that put our service members at risk and cost American taxpayers, and strengthen our border security.”
Give undocumented immigrants a path to legal status or citizenship
“I also know that a strong border is essential to strengthening our nation’s security, and I was proud to support comprehensive efforts in Congress to deter illegal immigration and strengthen border security, while also providing a pathway to citizenship for those who follow our nation’s laws.”
Fix the immigration system through comprehensive reform
Create a path to citizenship for immigrants living here
Include border security and enforcement in immigration reform
“I also know that a strong border is essential to strengthening our nation’s security, and I was proud to support comprehensive efforts in Congress to deter illegal immigration and strengthen border security, while also providing a pathway to citizenship for those who follow our nation’s laws.”
“We must honor our commitments to our seniors and retirees. I will continue to advocate for strengthening Medicare and Social Security, stand firm against any efforts to gut seniors’ hard-earned benefits, and oppose cuts to these critical programs.”
Other things the site says about Social Security and welfare (2)
“Seniors who worked hard their entire lives and paid into Social Security and Medicare deserve to be secure in retirement with the peace of mind that their benefits will be there when they need them—without cuts.”
“In Congress, I secured funding to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise, supported legislation to invest in climate resilient infrastructure, and founded the bipartisan Offshore Wind Caucus.”
Reverse recent federal actions that made energy less affordable
“In Congress, I will serve as a check on Trump’s bad decisions that are costing our families, fight to repeal the tariffs, and reverse legislation and policy decisions that have increased energy costs.”
“I will continue to lead efforts to combat climate change’s impact on our local community, fight against offshore drilling, restore the Chesapeake Bay, and ensure Hampton Roads has clean air and water.”
“Nuclear energy must be part of any solution to transitioning to a clean energy future because nuclear power provides over 55% of our carbon-free energy.”
Other things the site says about education and culture (2)
“Access to a quality education is an issue that is deeply important to me and to families throughout Hampton Roads. That is why I joined this bipartisan effort to urge Congressional leadership to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the next relief package”
“As remote learning becomes our new normal, Congress has a responsibility to ensure students with disabilities have access to a quality education during this public health emergency.”
Other things the site says about housing and community development (2)
“Getting more resources to our rural communities is a top priority of mine, and I’m thrilled that Eastern Shore Rural Health System can use this funding to help so many people.”
“For too long, Eastern Shore residents were unable to receive professional help with federal loans for affordable housing and home repair, which is why I remain a strong proponent for this position.”
Other things the site says about homeland security and emergencies (1)
“Cybersecurity is a dangerous and emerging threat, and the recent attack on the Colonial Pipeline proves we need to do more to protect our vital infrastructure”
