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Contributed commentary by Congressman Matt Van Epps:
Every Veterans Day, we pause to honor the Americans who raised their right hands, put on the uniform, and answered our nation’s call to defend the American way of life. But honoring our veterans must mean more than ceremonies once a year. It means keeping the promises we made to those who served and their families.
As a combat veteran, I know firsthand that the commitment to service does not end when the uniform comes off. It is a bond forged through years of shared sacrifice, one that stays with you long after your military service ends. That is why I have carried this commitment with me to Congress.
Death gratuity legislation
My first bill in Congress was the HONOR Gold Star Families Act, which fulfills a promise I made to Gold Star families that our nation would do more to support them. This legislation increases the death gratuity for families who lose a loved one in service from $100,000 to $200,000 and ensures that this support keeps pace with inflation. I’ve talked to multiple Gold Star moms and Gold Star wives. Increasing the death gratuity would give Gold Star families the financial security they need to focus on family during one of the most difficult times of their lives. No amount of money can replace a loved one, but we have a responsibility to ensure these families receive the support they deserve.
I’ve also cosponsored multiple bills to support our veterans, including the Maj. Richard Star Act. This legislation would allow veterans who medically retired due to combat-related disabilities to receive both their full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation, without one reducing the other. Veterans forced to retire early due to a combat injury should not be penalized for it. This bill corrects a serious disservice to veterans.
Improvements to VA system
Since taking office, the Trump administration has made supporting our veterans and servicemembers a top priority. Recently, the Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it has processed a record number of disability claims, cut average processing times by nearly 50%, and reduced the claims backlog by 70%. These improvements mean veterans can receive the benefits they have earned more quickly, rather than waiting months for the assistance they need.
The administration has also opened 43 new VA healthcare facilities since January 2025 and enrolled more than 300,000 veterans in VA healthcare in 2026. These efforts reflect an important commitment to improving access to care for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Keeping promise to veterans
These are important steps forward, but more work remains. I will continue fighting for legislation that delivers critical benefits to veterans, improves access to quality healthcare, supports military families, and honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
These are not simply talking points or promises made on Veterans Day. They are commitments that must guide our actions every day of the year. Our veterans kept their promise to America. We must keep ours to them.
To every veteran, thank you. Your service is not an afterthought. It is a priority. You served our country with dignity and honor, and we will continue working to serve you with that same dedication.
U.S. Rep. Matt Van Epps
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