Current Serving Service Members and Families

As a congressional candidate for Virginia's 2nd District and a proud military spouse, I am deeply committed to ensuring that our military service members and their families receive the support they need to succeed during and after their service. My platform prioritizes enhancing educational benefits for service members, veterans, and their families, acknowledging the sacrifices they make to protect our nation.

Commitment to Military Families

As the spouse of a Active-Duty Service Member, I have firsthand experience with the unique challenges military families face. Frequent relocations, deployments, and the demands of military life often disrupt educational goals and career aspirations. I am committed to building policies that ensure military families have equitable access to educational opportunities, allowing them to thrive despite these challenges. 

Policy Commitment

1. Strengthen the Post-9/11 GI Bill

• Increase Education Benefit Coverage: Advocate for an increase in the GI Bill’s benefit coverage to ensure it fully accommodates rising tuition costs, housing stipends, and book allowances. 
• Expand Eligibility: Include more comprehensive coverage for reservists, National Guard members, and service members who have served shorter, yet impactful, terms.
• Reduce Transfer Restrictions: Streamline the process for transferring GI Bill benefits to spouses and dependents, removing unnecessary administrative barriers.

2. Establish Portable Education Grants for Military Spouses and Dependents

• Military Spouse Education Grant: Create a federal grant program specifically for military spouses, helping them pursue degrees or certifications regardless of relocation timelines.
• Dependent Education Support: Extend support for dependents who experience frequent school transitions, including tutoring services, scholarship opportunities, and college readiness programs.

3. Support Online and Flexible Learning Opportunities

• Partner with educational institutions to expand access to online and hybrid degree programs tailored to the unique needs of active-duty service members and their families.
• Advocate for federal funding to develop military-friendly learning platforms with low tuition costs and flexible scheduling.

4. Enhance Vocational and Technical Training Opportunities

• Skills-to-Certifications Programs: Create pathways that recognize military training as equivalent to civilian certifications in relevant fields, reducing redundancy and financial burdens.
• High-Demand Fields: Focus on providing training in high-demand industries, such as cybersecurity, healthcare, and renewable energy, to prepare service members for post-service careers.

5. Expand Public Service Loan Forgiveness for Military Service Members and Spouses

• Advocate for reforms to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to ensure greater inclusion of military spouses working in public service fields, reducing their financial strain while they support their families.

My Vision

As someone who has experienced the military lifestyle’s challenges and opportunities, I am committed to ensuring that service members and their families have every chance to succeed. By investing in their education and career development, we are not only honoring their sacrifices but also strengthening our nation’s workforce and economic resilience.

Virginia's 2nd District, with its strong ties to the military, deserves a leader who understands these challenges and works tirelessly to address them. I will bring my lived experiences, commitment to trust, transparency, and equality, and a fierce dedication to improving the lives of service members and their families to Congress.

Together, we can ensure that those who serve our nation have the tools and resources they need to build a brighter future for themselves and their families.

As a congressional candidate for Virginia’s 2nd District and a dedicated military spouse, I am committed to championing policies that uphold equality, integrity, and respect for all individuals. My unique experiences Active-Duty Spouse have deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by military families and the broader community of protected classes under Equal Opportunity.

This proposal outlines a comprehensive approach to enhancing protections against discrimination for military service members and their families while advancing equal opportunity for all protected classes.

Policy Commitment

1. Protecting Military Service Members and Families from Discrimination

Military families face unique challenges, including frequent relocations, employment biases, and social stigmas. As a military spouse, I understand the profound impact these challenges have on families. I propose:

• Strengthening Employment Protections: Advocate for policies that prohibit employment discrimination against military spouses and service members in both public and private sectors.
• Enhancing Housing Protections: Enforce and expand protections under the      Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) to combat housing discrimination related to military status.
• Promoting Education Equity: Increase funding for programs that support children      of military families, ensuring they have access to consistent and high-quality education despite frequent moves.

2. Expanding Protections for All Protected Classes

To address systemic discrimination across all protected categories, I propose:

• Improved Enforcement of Civil Rights Laws: Strengthen oversight of the Equal      Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to ensure timely and effective resolution of discrimination claims.
• Comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Legislation: Support federal legislation that      prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and marital status in all aspects of public life.
• Enhanced Accessibility Standards: Promote inclusivity by improving accessibility standards for individuals with disabilities in public spaces and workplaces.

3. Advancing Accountability and Transparency

Transparency and accountability are critical to building trust in equal opportunity protections. I propose:

• Mandatory Reporting of Discrimination Cases: Require annual reports from federal      agencies and large employers detailing discrimination claims and resolutions.
• Funding for Independent Review Boards: Establish independent bodies to      investigate systemic discrimination claims and recommend corrective actions.

4. Supporting Marginalized Groups in the Military

Recognizing the unique challenges faced by LGBT service members and minority groups in the military, I propose:

• Strengthening Anti-Bias Training: Mandate inclusive and comprehensive anti-bias      training across all branches of the military.
• Providing Confidential Support Services: Fund programs that offer confidential      counseling and support to service members facing discrimination or harassment.
• Reinforcing Protections Against Retaliation: Strengthen whistleblower protections to ensure that service members who report discrimination are shielded from retaliation.

Personal Commitment

As a military spouse, I live the realities of service members and their families every day. I have experienced the struggles of finding employment, supporting my spouse through deployments, and navigating the challenges faced by our LGBTQ+ community. If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their background or status, have the opportunity to thrive in a fair and just society. My platform is driven by my unwavering commitment to:

• Trust: Ensuring that military families can rely on their leaders to fight for their rights and well-being.
• Transparency: Advocating for clear, open communication between military leadership, Congress, and military families.
• Integrity: Standing firm against any attempt to undermine the rights and protections of our military community.
• Resilience: Building systems that support military families in overcoming challenges      and thriving in all aspects of life.
• Equality: Guaranteeing that every service member, regardless of gender, sexual      orientation, race, or religion, has equal opportunities and protections.

This policy proposal is not just a vision—it is a promise rooted in personal experience and a commitment to fighting for the rights and dignity of everyone in Virginia’s 2nd District and across the nation. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future.

As a candidate for the United States Congress representing Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, home to many of our nation’s military service members, I am committed to ensuring that our military personnel and their families are afforded the utmost respect, safety, and dignity. As a military spouse, I have witnessed firsthand the unique challenges faced by our service members and their families. This insight fuels my passion for addressing the pressing issue of sexual assault and rape within the armed forces.

My Commitment

I believe no service member should have to endure the trauma of sexual assault or fear retaliation for reporting it. My commitment is rooted in my personal connection to the military community and a deep understanding of the systemic changes needed to protect those who protect us. As your representative, I will champion comprehensive reforms to address sexual violence in the military, support survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable. 

Policy Proposals

• Independent Oversight of Sexual Assault Cases
  • Advocate for legislation that transfers the authority to investigate and prosecute sexual assault and rape cases from the military chain of command to independent, impartial military prosecutors. This ensures accountability and removes conflicts of interest.
• Enhanced Reporting and Support Mechanisms
  • Expand and strengthen confidential reporting options to protect survivors from retaliation.
  • Increase funding for Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) and Victim Advocates (VAs) to ensure every survivor has access to immediate, qualified support.
  • Establish a national military survivor hotline staffed by trained professionals to provide 24/7 assistance.
• Improved Training and Prevention Programs
  • Mandate comprehensive, evidence-based sexual assault prevention training for all ranks, with a focus on bystander intervention and cultural change.
  • Incorporate training modules for senior leaders on fostering environments of accountability and respect.
• Addressing Retaliation and Barriers to Reporting
  • Implement stronger protections against retaliation for service members who report sexual misconduct, including anonymous reporting channels and whistleblower protections.
  • Conduct regular, anonymous climate surveys to identify high-risk units and proactively address systemic issues.
• Expanding Resources for Survivors
  • Provide additional funding for medical, mental health, and legal support for survivors, including access to trauma-informed care and counseling services.
  • Ensure every survivor has access to Special Victims' Counsel to guide them through the legal process and advocate on their behalf.
• Accountability for Perpetrators and Leadership Failures
  • Push for stricter penalties for those convicted of sexual misconduct.
  • Hold commanding officers accountable if they fail to address sexual assault incidents appropriately or foster a climate of safety.

Why It Matters

As a military spouse, I have lived the realities of military life—the pride, the sacrifices, and the challenges. I understand the toll that unresolved trauma takes on service members, their families, and our military readiness. Addressing sexual assault is not only a moral imperative but also essential for preserving the integrity of our armed forces and the trust of the American people.

As a military spouse, I deeply understand the challenges faced by families who serve. Frequent relocations, employment gaps, and bias in hiring practices often make it difficult for military spouses to secure stable and meaningful employment. In my role as your representative for Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, I will champion policies that expand federal government employment opportunities for military spouses, recognizing their resilience, adaptability, and the unique skills they bring to the workforce.

Problem Statement:
Military spouses face an unemployment rate of around 22%, significantly higher than the national average. Employment gaps, frequent relocations, and biases due to perceived instability hinder their ability to compete in the job market. Federal employment—often portable and flexible—offers an ideal solution, yet military spouses face barriers in accessing these roles due to lack of prioritization, awareness, and streamlined processes 

Policy Objectives:

• Expand Hiring Preferences for Military Spouses:
  • Strengthen the Military Spouse Preference (MSP) program by:
  • Increasing awareness among hiring managers.
  • Mandating mandatory consideration for qualified spouses when filling federal roles.
• Create Portable Federal Employment Options:
  • Introduce legislation encouraging telework-friendly positions within federal agencies to accommodate military families’ frequent relocations.
• Establish Specialized Federal Employment Pathways:
  • Develop dedicated programs for military spouses to transition into federal government roles, emphasizing training, mentorship, and expedited hiring processes.
• Address Employment Gaps in Federal Applications:
  • Revise OPM hiring practices to mitigate the impact of employment gaps due to PCS moves, caregiving responsibilities, or deployments, ensuring spouses are evaluated fairly.
• Incentivize Agency Participation:
  • Offer agencies additional funding and recognition for meeting hiring goals for military spouses under existing hiring authorities such as the Non-Competitive Appointment of Military Spouses.

My Commitment as a Military Spouse:  

As a civilian military spouse, I’ve experienced firsthand the hurdles of maintaining a professional career while supporting a loved one in uniform. Relocations, deployments, and the need for flexible employment have been constant challenges. Despite these barriers, I have built a successful career, often by seeking out roles below my skill level. This lived experience has shaped my resolve to fight for policies that create opportunities for others like me.

I am committed to ensuring that military spouses no longer have to choose between supporting their families and pursuing fulfilling careers. By investing in their potential, we honor their sacrifices and strengthen our military and veterans families, our communities, and our nation as a whole.

As a military spouse and congressional candidate for Virginia’s 2nd District, I have lived the realities faced by service members and their families. My personal experience navigating the challenges of military life has deepened my commitment to advocating for policies that ensure the well-being and rights of those who serve our nation, particularly female service members, who often face unique hurdles in their careers and personal lives.

My Commitment

I am committed to being a voice for those who feel unheard, to ensuring that every woman who wears the uniform can serve with dignity, opportunity, and support. I will work every day to build a military that is stronger, safer, and more equitable—for every service member, and every family who serves alongside them. 

Policy Goals

• Enhance Health Care Access for Service Members
  • Ensure that all service members, regardless of gender, have access to comprehensive, high-quality medical care through TRICARE and military medical facilities.
  • Mandate funding for specialized health services for female service members, including gynecological care, prenatal care, and mental health services tailored to their needs.
  • Address the shortage of women’s health specialists in military medical facilities by creating incentives for recruitment and retention of qualified providers.
• Protect Reproductive Freedom
  • Codify protections for reproductive rights for all service members and their dependents, ensuring access to contraception, emergency contraception, and fertility treatments without fear of stigma or career repercussions.
  • Guarantee access to abortion services in military health facilities, particularly in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the service member's health, even in states with restrictive laws.
  • Offer travel and financial support for service members who must seek reproductive care outside their duty station due to local restrictions.
• Combat Sexual Harassment and Assault
  • Strengthen the reporting and response systems for sexual harassment and assault to create a safer, more supportive environment for female service members.
  • Expand oversight of investigations into sexual misconduct to ensure accountability and justice, while providing robust support services for survivors.
• Support Career Advancement for Female Service Members
  • Eliminate barriers to career progression by addressing gender bias in promotions, assignments, and leadership opportunities.
  • Implement more robust family support programs, including expanded childcare options and flexibility for service members with dependents, to ensure that parenting responsibilities do not hinder career success.

Commitment as a Military Spouse

As a military spouse, I understand the profound sacrifices and challenges that service members and their families endure. I’ve experienced the hardships of frequent relocations, long deployments, and the struggles of raising a family in a military lifestyle. I know firsthand how these realities can disproportionately affect female service members.

My platform is built on the values I live by—trust, transparency, integrity, resilience, and equality. These values drive my commitment to standing up for service members and their families, particularly when it comes to ensuring equality and access to care. Female service members deserve an environment where they can thrive professionally while also receiving the healthcare and support they need.

As a proud military spouse and candidate for Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, I understand firsthand the challenges faced by service members, veterans, and their families. From frequent relocations and lengthy separations to substandard housing and outdated facilities, these issues directly impact the morale, readiness, and quality of life of our armed forces. My commitment to addressing these challenges is rooted in my lived experience and my unwavering dedication to our military community.

Policy Goals

• Ensure Safe, High-Quality Military Housing
  • Increase funding for the renovation and maintenance of military housing to ensure it meets modern safety and quality standards.
  • Hold privatized military housing contractors accountable by enforcing stricter oversight, implementing regular inspections, and imposing penalties for negligence.
  • Establish an independent Military Housing Ombudsman to advocate for service members and their families, ensuring timely resolution of housing complaints.
• Base Modernization and Infrastructure Upgrades
  • Secure federal investments to modernize military bases, ensuring they meet the operational needs of a 21st-century force.
  • Upgrade base infrastructure, including communication systems, transportation networks, and recreational facilities, to enhance readiness and quality of life.
  • Integrate renewable energy solutions and sustainability initiatives to make military installations more resilient and cost-effective.
• Expand Support for Military Families
  • Increase access to childcare, education, and healthcare services on bases to support military families.
  • Establish job training and employment assistance programs tailored to military spouses to combat the challenges of frequent relocations.
  • Provide additional resources for mental health services for both service members and their families.
• Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
  • Advocate for an annual Military Family Quality of Life report, which provides Congress and the public with updates on housing conditions, infrastructure projects, and family support services.
  • Require transparent reporting on how housing and modernization funds are allocated and spent.

My Commitment as a Military Spouse
As a military spouse, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of military life: relocating to new communities, supporting my spouse through deployments, and navigating the challenges of substandard housing. These experiences have shaped my perspective and informed my approach to policymaking. I pledge to fight tirelessly to ensure military families receive the support and resources they deserve.

As a military spouse and advocate for veterans and their families, I am committed to addressing the crisis of veteran suicide with urgency, compassion, and practical solutions. Veterans have given so much to our nation, and it is our moral obligation to ensure they receive the care and support they need to thrive after their service.

Policy Commitment 

Strengthening Mental Health Support for Veterans

• Expand Access to Mental Health Services:
  • Increase funding for the VA to hire more mental health professionals and reduce appointment wait times.
  • Partner with community healthcare providers to offer veterans free or low-cost access to mental health services in underserved areas.
• Mandatory Mental Health Screenings:
  • Require regular mental health screenings during and after military service, with follow-up care provided for those at risk.
• Innovative Therapies and Research:
  • Fund research into alternative therapies, such as art therapy, service animals, and virtual reality treatments for PTSD and other mental health issues.
  • Expand the use of telehealth to provide flexible mental health support, particularly for veterans in rural areas.

Enhancing Community-Based Outreach Programs

• Veteran Peer Support Networks:
  • Develop peer support programs that connect veterans with shared experiences to provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
• Training for Community Members:
  • Launch an initiative to train educators, first responders, and community leaders on recognizing the signs of mental health crises in veterans and how to intervene.
• Family Support Services:
  • Increase resources for military families, such as counseling services and support groups, to help them better assist their loved ones in need.

Improving Crisis Intervention and Prevention

• 24/7 Crisis Intervention Support:
  • Expand the Veterans Crisis Line to ensure rapid response and increase outreach to veterans unaware of this resource.
• Mobile Crisis Units:
  • Deploy mobile crisis units specifically trained to respond to veterans experiencing mental health emergencies.
• Firearm Safety Programs:
  • Promote firearm safety initiatives, including providing gun locks and safe storage education, to prevent impulsive acts of self-harm.

Transition Support for Returning Veterans

• Employment and Housing Stability:
  • Ensure returning veterans have access to stable housing and employment opportunities through expanded VA programs and public-private partnerships.
• Integrated Transition Plans:
  • Create comprehensive transition programs that include mental health evaluations, counseling, and support for reintegrating into civilian life. 

Personal Commitment as a Military Spouse

As someone who has witnessed the unique challenges faced by service members and their families, I understand the importance of addressing this crisis from a place of lived experience. My platform is rooted in trust, transparency, integrity, resilience, and equality. I will work tirelessly to advocate for legislation and programs that provide our veterans with the dignity and support they deserve. 

As a military spouse deeply connected to the challenges veterans and their families face, I understand the unique struggles that many service members encounter upon returning to civilian life. Homelessness among veterans is a crisis that demands immediate and practical solutions. My plan will focus on three core pillars: Housing First, Employment Opportunities, and Comprehensive Support Services to ensure every veteran has the opportunity to thrive after serving our nation.

Policy Commitment 

• Housing First: Immediate and Stable Housing Solutions
  • Housing is a fundamental human right. To address veteran homelessness, we must expand access to permanent, stable housing while providing wraparound services to support long-term success.
• Expand the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program: 
  • Increase funding and partnerships between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide more housing vouchers and case management services.
• Incentivize Affordable Housing Development: 
  • Provide tax credits and grants to developers who build affordable housing for veterans, with a focus on high-need areas.
• Emergency Shelter Transition: 
  • Develop transitional shelters with a direct pipeline to permanent housing, ensuring veterans do not face prolonged periods of uncertainty.
• Employment Opportunities: Pathways to Economic Stability
  • A stable job is essential for maintaining housing and dignity. Veterans possess valuable skills, and we must invest in programs that connect them to meaningful employment.
• Veteran Job Placement Services: 
  • Partner with local businesses and national corporations to establish job training and placement programs tailored to veterans' unique skill sets.
• Apprenticeships and Vocational Training: 
  • Expand vocational training programs, focusing on industries experiencing labor shortages, such as renewable energy, technology, healthcare, and construction.
• Federal Hiring Preference Expansion: 
  • Simplify the process for veterans to access federal employment opportunities and extend hiring preference policies to include spouses of severely disabled veterans.
• Comprehensive Support Services: Breaking Barriers
  • Many veterans face additional barriers, such as mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and a lack of community support. Addressing these underlying issues is critical to ending homelessness.
• Mental Health and Addiction Services:
  • Increase funding for VA mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and substance use disorder treatment. Expand eligibility to veterans who are not currently receiving VA healthcare.
• Peer Support Networks: 
  • Establish veteran-led peer support programs to help navigate the transition from homelessness to stability.
• Financial Literacy and Legal Assistance: 
  • Provide access to financial counseling, credit repair, and pro bono legal services to address debts, evictions, and other financial barriers to housing stability.
• Funding the Initiative
  • Ending veteran homelessness requires a dedicated funding source. My plan proposes:
• Reallocating unused federal funds: 
  • Streamline existing federal programs to identify surplus funds that can be redirected to veteran housing initiatives.
• Public-Private Partnerships: 
  • Partner with nonprofit organizations, private companies, and philanthropic foundations to co-fund housing projects and support services.
• Community Investment: 
  • Advocate for state and local governments to match federal funding for veteran-focused housing and job programs.

My Commitment

As a military spouse, I am committed to fighting for the rights and dignity of those who have served our nation. I have experienced firsthand the challenges our service members face when transitioning to civilian life. My family’s journey gives me a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the resilience, strength, and needs of our veteran community. I will work tirelessly to ensure every veteran has the opportunity to live with stability, dignity, and purpose.

By addressing the root causes of veteran homelessness and investing in practical, community-driven solutions, we can fulfill our moral obligation to those who have served. Together, we can ensure no veteran is left without a place to call home 

As a military spouse and advocate for our nation's veterans, I have seen firsthand the challenges service members face when transitioning back into civilian life. Many veterans encounter complex legal and financial barriers that can prevent them from accessing the benefits they have earned and the stability they deserve. From navigating the VA claims process to resolving legal disputes, veterans often face these struggles without adequate support. It's time to change that.

Proposed Policy 

• Veteran Legal Aid Network:
  • Establish a federally funded program to provide free or low-cost legal representation for veterans.
  • Expand partnerships with organizations like the American Bar Association to offer pro bono legal services tailored to veterans' needs.
  • Create a "Veteran Legal Helpline" for immediate guidance on legal issues.
• Financial Empowerment Program:
  • Implement financial literacy workshops and one-on-one counseling for veterans, focusing on budgeting, managing VA benefits, and navigating civilian financial systems.
  • Increase funding for existing programs that provide emergency financial assistance to veterans facing eviction, foreclosure, or utility shutoffs.
• Streamlining VA Processes:
  • Advocate for increased staffing and modernization of the VA claims process to reduce wait times and improve efficiency.
  • Simplify the application process for VA benefits, making it more user-friendly and accessible.
• Expanded Grants and Scholarships:
  • Offer grants to organizations providing holistic services, such as legal, financial, and mental health support, under one roof.
  • Provide scholarships for veterans to pursue higher education and vocational training, equipping them for long-term financial stability.

Why This Matters
This policy isn't just about addressing gaps—it's about honoring the promise we make to those who serve. As a military spouse, I have witnessed the resilience of our service members and their families. I know the sacrifices they make and the struggles they endure. This proposal is deeply personal, driven by my commitment to ensuring that every veteran receives the support and dignity they have earned.

Veterans and their families deserve immediate access to quality healthcare as a recognition of their service and sacrifice. However, current gaps in the availability of urgent care services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) often leave veterans waiting for critical care, especially during nights and weekends. To address this pressing need, I propose the implementation of 24-hour VA urgent care facilities nationwide, starting with key locations, including Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, where a significant veteran population resides. 

Virginia’s 2nd District is home to thousands of veterans and military families, many of whom rely on VA services for their healthcare needs. Unfortunately, traditional clinic hours and limited access to urgent care services create barriers to timely care. This can lead to unnecessary emergency room visits, increased healthcare costs, and, most importantly, delays in treatment that compromise the health and well-being of our veterans and their families. 

Proposal Highlights:

• Establishing 24-Hour VA Urgent Care Facilities:
  • Convert existing VA clinics to operate 24/7 or build new facilities strategically placed to serve high-density veteran populations.
  • Ensure the availability of trained medical staff, including specialists in mental health, to address a range of urgent care needs.
• Enhancing Accessibility:
  • Implement telehealth capabilities at these facilities to provide remote consultations and triage services.
  • Provide transportation support for veterans facing mobility or distance challenges.
• Partnering with Local Healthcare Providers:
  • Collaborate with private urgent care centers to fill gaps in coverage until VA facilities are fully operational.
  • Use public-private partnerships to reduce costs and improve service delivery.
• Mental Health Crisis Support:
  • Incorporate mental health crisis units within urgent care facilities to ensure immediate support for veterans experiencing PTSD, anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation.
• Funding and Oversight:
  • Secure federal funding through reallocation of existing VA budgets or new appropriations.
  • Create an oversight committee to monitor implementation, track outcomes, and ensure efficient use of resources.

Benefits of 24-Hour VA Urgent Care Facilities:

• Timely Access to Care:
  • Reduces wait times for critical healthcare needs and prevents minor issues from escalating into emergencies.
• Cost Savings:
  • Decreases reliance on expensive emergency room visits by offering more affordable urgent care services.
• Improved Health Outcomes:
  • Promotes early intervention, which can lead to better long-term health for veterans and their families.
• Mental Health Support:
  • Provides immediate care for mental health crises, reducing the risk of suicide and other adverse outcomes among veterans.
• Economic Development:
  • Creates jobs in the healthcare sector and supports the local economy through the construction and operation of new facilities. 

Conclusion: Implementing 24-hour VA urgent care facilities is a practical, impactful solution to the healthcare challenges faced by veterans and their families. By investing in this initiative, we honor their service and reaffirm our commitment to providing them with the care they deserve. This policy will not only save lives but also set a new standard for veteran healthcare in the United States.

As your next Representative for Virginia’s 2nd District, I will champion this proposal in Congress, working tirelessly to ensure our veterans have access to the care they need, when they need it.

As a candidate for U.S. Congress in Virginia's 2nd Congressional District and a military spouse, I intimately understand the challenges veterans face in accessing timely, effective, and comprehensive services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Drawing from my family's experiences, this policy proposal outlines actionable strategies to improve VA services to better serve those who have served us.

Improving Access to Care

Objective: Eliminate barriers and reduce wait times for veterans seeking medical and mental health care.

• Expand Community Care Networks:
  • Increase partnerships between the VA and private healthcare providers to ensure veterans have access to care, even in underserved or rural areas.
• Increase Telehealth Accessibility: 
  • Provide funding to expand telehealth services, ensuring veterans in all locations have access to high-quality care for physical and mental health needs.
• Extend Hours of Operation:
  • Introduce extended clinic hours and weekend services to accommodate working veterans and their families.

Streamlining VA Processes

Objective: Simplify administrative hurdles for veterans and their families.

• Implement Universal Records Management: 
  • Transition to a single, unified electronic health record (EHR) system to streamline communication between the VA and Department of Defense (DoD), reducing delays in service eligibility and care continuity.
• Accelerate Claims Processing:
  • Hire and train additional VA claims processors and incorporate AI-driven tools to expedite claims while maintaining accuracy.
• One-Stop Support Centers:
  • Develop regional “one-stop” centers where veterans can access services for healthcare, education benefits, housing, and employment under one roof.

Enhancing Mental Health Support

Objective: Address the unique mental health challenges faced by veterans and their families.

• Prioritize Suicide Prevention Programs: 
  • Fully fund and expand evidence-based suicide prevention initiatives, including crisis intervention training and peer support networks.
• Introduce Spousal and Family Counseling: 
  • Ensure VA programs include accessible mental health services for military spouses and children to foster a supportive home environment for veterans.
• Invest in Post-Traumatic Growth Programs: 
  • Establish programs that help veterans reintegrate into civilian life through mentorship, education, and career development.

Supporting Transition to Civilian Life

Objective: Provide robust support for veterans as they reintegrate into civilian life.

• Job Placement and Training:
  • Expand the VA’s vocational rehabilitation programs to include partnerships with tech companies, trade schools, and apprenticeship programs.
• Housing Assistance:
  • Increase funding for the HUD-VASH program (Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing) and implement measures to reduce homelessness among veterans.
• Childcare Support for Veteran Families: 
  • Establish childcare subsidy programs for veterans pursuing education, training, or employment.

Strengthening Accountability and Oversight

Objective: Build trust in the VA by ensuring transparency and efficient use of resources.

• Create Regional Oversight Boards: 
  • Involve veterans, family members, and local stakeholders in evaluating the performance of VA facilities and making recommendations for improvement.
• Mandatory Reporting on Wait Times and Outcomes: 
  • Require VA facilities to publish quarterly reports on patient wait times and care outcomes to promote transparency and accountability.
• Independent Audits: 
  • Conduct regular third-party audits of VA spending and operations to ensure funds are used effectively and identify areas for improvement.

Advocating for Legislation to Protect Veterans' Benefits

Objective: Safeguard the rights and benefits veterans have earned.

• Oppose Cuts to VA Funding:
  • Advocate for sustainable funding that keeps pace with the growing needs of veterans and their families.
• Expand Coverage for Burn Pit and Toxic Exposure Victims: 
  • Push for full implementation of legislation addressing long-term health effects of toxic exposures during military service.
• Protect Disability Benefits:
  • Ensure disability ratings and compensation are not diminished for veterans relying on these benefits for their livelihoods.
     

My Commitment

As the spouse of a combat veteran, I have witnessed the dedication and sacrifices of our service members and their families. These proposals are not just ideas—they are a reflection of what I believe is possible when we put veterans and their families at the forefront of our policies. As your representative, I will fight tirelessly to turn these proposals into meaningful action, ensuring every veteran receives the care and support they deserve.

As a military spouse and advocate for our nation’s service members, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that veterans and their families face in accessing timely, effective mental health care. Our veterans deserve not only our gratitude but also the assurance that they will receive the mental health support they need. This proposal outlines a comprehensive plan to expand access to mental healthcare for veterans, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and provide holistic support for their reintegration into civilian life.

Key Objectives

Expand Access to Mental Health Services

• Increase Funding for VA Mental Health Services: 
  • Advocate for increased federal funding to hire additional mental health professionals within the VA system, including psychologists, counselors, and social workers.
• Telehealth Expansion:
  • Expand telehealth programs for mental health services, ensuring veterans in rural or underserved areas have access to care without long travel times.
• Community Integration:
  • Partner with community-based organizations to provide mental health services, allowing veterans to seek care outside the VA system if needed.

Streamline and Simplify Processes

• Single Point of Entry:
  • Establish a centralized, user-friendly system for veterans to access mental health services, minimizing bureaucratic barriers.
• Case Managers for Mental Health: 
  • Provide every veteran seeking care with a dedicated mental health case manager to coordinate services and follow up on their progress.

Reduce Stigma and Promote Awareness

• Veteran-Led Outreach Programs:
  • Fund veteran-led initiatives that focus on sharing personal stories, breaking down stigma, and normalizing seeking mental health care.
• Public Awareness Campaigns:
  • Launch national campaigns highlighting the importance of mental health for veterans and their families, promoting the message that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Provide Family Support

• Family Counseling Services:
  • Ensure that mental health services are extended to the families of veterans, recognizing the collective impact of service-related trauma.
• Support Groups: 
  • Establish support networks and peer-led groups for families to navigate challenges together.

Holistic and Preventative Care

• Preventive Wellness Programs:
  • Offer programs focusing on mindfulness, stress reduction, and resilience training to help veterans manage their mental health proactively.
• Substance Abuse Treatment:
  • Expand and integrate substance abuse treatment programs within mental health services to address co-occurring issues comprehensively.
     

Anticipated Benefits

• Reduced wait times and greater access to mental health care for veterans.
• Decreased rates of veteran suicide, homelessness, and substance abuse.
• Improved overall quality of life for veterans and their families.
• A cultural shift that normalizes mental health care within the military and veteran communities.
   

My Commitment

Our veterans have made incredible sacrifices for our country, and we owe them a system of care that meets their needs with compassion and efficiency. By investing in accessible, high-quality mental health services and tackling stigma head-on, we can honor their service and build a stronger, healthier future for them and their families. As a military spouse, I am deeply committed to this cause and will work tirelessly to ensure no veteran is left behind.