Veterans

Our veterans are our nation’s greatest heroes and their care must

always be among our greatest national priorities.

As the daughter of a disabled World War II veteran and as an intern at the Seattle VA psychiatric ward, I got the opportunity to see the sacrifices of our veterans and their families first-hand. And now, as a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), I have been privileged to be given the opportunity to fight for their needs every day.

Whether it’s been working for increased funding for veterans health care, improved education benefits, housing assistance, new veterans clinics throughout Washington state, or accountability from the VA, I am committed to ensuring that we fulfill the promises we make our veterans when they sign up to serve.

But there is much more to be done for our veterans, especially at a time of war. Too many of our veterans still wait far too long for benefits and the doors of the VA are still not open to all veterans. We must also continue to focus on ensuring a seamless transition of care from the battlefield to the VA, to local communities.

Veterans deserve more than just our thanks. They deserve the benefits and care that our nation has promised when they return home.

Get assistance in dealing with the VA.

Priorities

Increasing funding and increasing access for veterans’ health care.
Bringing attention to the issues faced by women veterans, and offering solutions and resources to address these issues.
Improving access and increasing funding for veterans’ benefits.
Helping homeless veterans find sustainable housing.
Bringing more clinics and services closer to Washington state veterans.
Expanding educational opportunities for veterans.

Accomplishments

Increased funding for veterans’ health care, including care for conditions like Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Introduced legislation that would make the VA more responsive and prepared to care for women veterans.
Passed the Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act to improve coordination of care for servicemembers transitioning from the military to the VA.
Helped pass the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act, which improves the VA’s suicide prevention measures.
Drastically expanded access to housing for homeless veterans by providing funding for the Housing and Urban Development’s Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH).
Fought to bring VA health care closer to Washington state residents, including Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) in Northwest Washington and Wenatchee, a future CBOC in the South Puget Sound, and a vet center in Everett.
Championed veterans in southeast Washington by preventing the closure of the Walla Walla VA Medical Center and fighting to fund a new Walla Walla Veterans Nursing Home.
Supported efforts to establish a State Veterans Cemetery in eastern Washington.

Full story

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Recent News Releases

11/19/2009
VETERANS: Critical Murray Bill Supporting Women Veterans Passes Full Senate

11/18/2009
Murray Examines Veterans' Employment Barriers in Senate VA Hearing

11/17/2009
Senator Murray Works to Increase VA Budget in 2010 Spending Bill

11/16/2009
Murray Helps Bring Streamlined Disability Benefits Program to Fort Lewis

11/12/2009
Murray, Klobuchar, Johanns Introduce Bill to Help Returning Soldiers Get Jobs