Congresswoman Barbara Lee Welcomes Secretary of Veteran Affairs to the East Bay
Oakland, CA – Today, Secretary of Veteran Affairs Robert McDonald, visited the East Bay to host a California Stakeholder meeting with local members of Congress and state and county leadership. Congresswoman Lee released the following statement:
“I am pleased that Secretary McDonald has accepted my invitation to visit the East Bay and meet with local and state leaders to include their ideas and guidance into federal policies to support our veterans.
As the daughter of a veteran, I understand the sacrifices our men and women make to protect our country and our freedom. It is our moral obligation to keep our promise and provide our veterans with the support they need.
This meeting with Secretary McDonald will also help local and state agencies address the issues that are hindering them from providing the best support possible to our veterans
Oakland’s Veteran Affairs Regional Office has long struggled with reducing its backlog of claims and reporting.
Our veterans deserve better.
The need for further support is why Secretary McDonald’s visit is so timely and necessary. We must ensure that our veterans are obtaining the benefits they have earned and deserve.
As a member of the Appropriations subcommittees that oversee veteran affairs funding, I have and will continue fighting to ensure that our veterans have adequate resources they need to ensure their health and successful transition to civilian life.
I am pleased to have Secretary McDonald in the East Bay to lead this much needed conversation.”
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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Whip’s Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity.