Veterans

Our veterans served and sacrificed for our freedom, and we must hold up our end of the bargain. As the proud daughter of a Navy veteran, I have a deep appreciation for those who have served our country. I am committed to protecting the benefits that our veterans have earned.

I also support efforts to aid veterans after they leave active service. We must do more to end veteran homelessness, increase employment opportunities for veterans, and help veterans access quality, affordable higher education.

Veterans also have unique health care needs. Women veterans need access to comprehensive health care, and veterans of all ages need access to mental health services. Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War may need different health care services than veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. And veterans in rural areas should be able to access the same services and benefits as those in urban areas.

When I visit with veterans at the Portland VA, at the North Coast Clinic in Warrenton, or over coffee in their communities, I am inspired by their deep love of country and commitment to service. If you or a family member are a veteran in need of assistance, my office is available to help: please call my Beaverton office at 503-469-6010 or email me here.

More on Veterans

Bonamici and Colleagues Urge VA to Reevaluate Claims Related to C-123 Aircraft Agent Orange Exposure
October 23, 2013
Press Release

Washington, D.C.—Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and a bipartisan group of 19 House colleagues sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki urging reevaluation of all claims related to Agent Orange exposure that occurred aboard C-123 aircraft after the Vietnam War. Many of the 1,500 to 2,500 veterans who served aboard the aircraft from 1972 to 1982 have experienced health problems that appear to be exposure-related. Until recently, the VA had denied these claims, but recently reversed course when it granted disability benefits to Lt Col.

Issues: Veterans
Consider Agent Orange benefits for C-123 crews, 20 members of House ask Shinseki
October 22, 2013
In The News

Mike Francis

The Oregonian
Issues: Veterans
Bonamici calls for a world of ‘diplomacy and peace’ as nation remembers Sept. 11, 2001
Bonamici Statement on Anniversary of September 11
September 11, 2013
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today released the following statement about the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Bonamici will mark the day by attending a remembrance ceremony with Congressional colleagues at the U.S. Capitol.

Issues: Foreign Affairs and National Security Veterans
Epidemic of sexual assaults in military must be stopped (guest column)
Bonamici Supports Passage of Ruth Moore Act to Stop Denial of PTSD Benefits to Military Sexual Assault Victims - VA Currently Denies Two-Thirds of Sexual Assault Related PTSD Claims
June 4, 2013
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today voted to pass the Ruth Moore Act (H.R. 671), legislation she co-sponsored to ease the burden of proof required to prove Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to a military sexual assault. Veterans who are partially or fully disabled from an injury suffered while serving in the military are entitled to disability benefits, but approximately two-thirds of sexual assault related claims are rejected by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Issues: Reproductive Rights Veterans
Bonamici Statement on Memorial Day
May 24, 2013
Press Release
Beaverton, Ore. – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today released the following statement on Memorial Day.
“Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the tragic loss of life that has occurred throughout our nation’s history in defense of the freedoms we cherish.
Issues: Veterans
Bonamici Backs Bill to Strengthen Prosecution of Military Sexual Assault
May 17, 2013
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today announced her support for the Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013, new bipartisan legislation that would reform the military justice system. The Act would remove from the chain of command the prosecution of crimes punishable by a sentence of more than one year, except crimes that are uniquely military in nature, like disobeying orders or going Absent Without Leave. This reform would prevent injustices related to military sexual assault and other forms of misconduct.

Issues: Reproductive Rights Veterans
Bonamici Announces Housing Vouchers for Washington County Homeless Veterans
May 6, 2013
Press Release

Beaverton, Ore. — Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today announced that the Housing Authority of Washington County is now eligible for 35 HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers in addition to the 25 vouchers they have already been awarded. Bonamici requested the additional vouchers in letters to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs. The vouchers will be used to provide housing for homeless veterans in Washington County.

Issues: Housing and Homelessness Veterans
Bonamici Calls for Bipartisan Cooperation to Avert Sequestration - New Report Details How Cuts Would Affect Oregon
February 25, 2013
Press Release

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today called for bipartisan cooperation to avert sequestration and released a new report that details how the across-the-board cuts would impact Oregon. According to the report entitled “Sequestration by the Numbers - A Snapshot for Oregon,” the state would suffer nearly 12,000 job losses, and lose substantial federal funding for an array of essential programs.

Issues: Consumer Protection Education Fiscal Responsibility Foreign Affairs and National Security Health Care Housing and Homelessness Jobs and Economy Seniors Technology and Innovation Veterans

Office Locations

U.S. Capitol Building at Twighlight
Washington DC Office
2231 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515
Phone: (202) 225-0855
Fax: (202) 225-9497
Beaverton Building
Beaverton District Office
12725 Southwest Millikan Way
Suite 220
Beaverton, OR  97005
Phone: (503) 469-6010
Fax: (503) 469-6018