WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (Kan.) – ranking member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee – tonight released the following statement in response to President Biden’s State of the Union address:

“While political rancor is often the theme in Washington, D.C., supporting our veterans is a mission that should always break through the gridlock in Congress. Last Congress, the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee was able to pass an historic expansion of benefits and health care for all generations of veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances. I appreciate President Biden signing this legislation into law and recognizing the difference it will make in the lives of veterans during his address tonight. I look forward to working with the administration to see that the PACT Act is implemented according to the law’s intent.

"Reducing veteran suicide and working to improve mental health care treatment is another bipartisan issue that this committee has worked to tackle. Through the Commander Hannon Act, working to increase the number of mental health peer support specialists, making key improvements to the Veterans Crisis Line and making improvements to the VA’s prescribing practices, the VA has new resources and tools to provide mental health care to veterans, including those in hard-to-reach places. Implementing this legislation will help the administration reach our shared goal of making certain our nation’s heroes receive the care and support they deserve.

“I remain committed to working with the Department of Veterans Affairs and all my colleagues to address issues that are impacting our veterans, their families and caregivers.”