Press Room: Press Releases

By Senator Jay Rockefeller

 

Fireworks, picnics, and Main Street celebrations are exciting ways to celebrate our nation’s independence on the Fourth of July – but this also is a time to quietly reflect and pay tribute to those who have secured the freedoms we hold so dear, and those who are sacrificing precious time with their own families to serve our nation today.

 

Our country was founded upon the principles of freedom and liberty for all. Our founding fathers’ ideals have been continually protected and defended throughout history by legions of devoted and courageous West Virginians – and today, our servicemembers are scattered all around the globe faithfully serving our very grateful nation.

 

Support for these men and women should always be strong – and there is so much more that we need to do for our active duty members, our newest veterans, and veterans from each and every generation.

 

Recently, we in Congress passed a key funding bill that will bring about better facilities for our troops, more medical treatment options, defense health programs, and the highest standard equipment.

 

Specifically, the law funds critical programs focused on Traumatic Brain Injury and psychological health research, orthopedic research, and rehabilitation equipment for wounded soldiers; needed gear for our National Guard and Reservists; vital equipment for our troops on the ground; crucial updates at our outdated military hospitals; and an extension of the new GI bill to provide education benefits to children of members who die while on active duty.

 

As classes start this August, we’re going to begin delivering on our promise of a college education for our newest servicemembers through the Post 9/11 GI bill we passed last year. Colleges and universities across our state have teamed up with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to participate in the “Yellow Ribbon Program” – which allows higher education institutions to work with VA to fund tuition expenses.  

 

We’re also working in the Senate on legislation I’m cosponsoring – which has been passed by the House of Representatives – that would improve health care services for our veterans by making VA funding work more effectively and efficiently.

 

As a nation, this is our duty – to support those who supported us in the strongest, most courageous way imaginable. And as we celebrate Independence Day with our families, loved ones, neighbors and friends this year, let’s take the time to remember those who have fought for that independence, and those who are serving this very day to give others the chance to experience the freedoms we hold so dear. 

 

They are a lesson in courage for all of us, and this holiday is an important reminder of how very treasured our liberties are.

 

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