BRUNSWICK, Maine – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) began his new appointment to the Senate Veterans Affairs’ Committee by convening a conversation and listening session with veteran leaders at the Brunswick American Legion Post 20. Together, King and the Maine veterans discussed key issues facing those who served and how the Senator plans to help address these challenges through his work on the Committee. In his opening remarks, the Senator highlighted the bipartisan nature of the Committee, described how he had sought an invitation for years to join it, and shared some of the top issues he looks forward to working on with Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT).

Last week, Senator King announced his appointment while highlighting America’s commitment to those who served and pledging to continue focusing on priority issues like preventing veteran suicide and ensuring smoother transitions for servicemembers entering civilian life.

In his opening remarks, Senator King discussed his appointment to the committee:

“The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee is a really good committee, and it's almost an entirely nonpartisan committee. There are Republicans and Democrats and now me [an Independent]. But the committee operates on a nonpartisan basis, historically, and that's the way to get things done. This committee is one of the most productive in Congress,” said Senator King. “I looked over the list of bills passed in the last year by various committees and most are in the five to ten range of bills that are actually signed by the President. The Veterans Affairs Committee in the last two years has had 49 bills signed by the President. That's a very productive committee in the United States Congress, and they are getting things done on a bipartisan basis.”

The Senator then emphasized the importance of listening to veterans and shared Chairman Tester’s upcoming priorities for the committee:

“This is more about listening for me. I think that's a big part of my job. And so what I want to do is go through what's on your mind? What's the unfinished business? What can we do in Washington to deal with some of the deep problems that we're all wrestling with? Veteran suicide, PTSD, health care generally, support for Togus, support for the CBOCs, broadening that capability serving rural America veterans better. And that's where Tester and I get together,” continued Senator King. “There’s lots of work to do. I know one of [Chairman] Tester's priorities is oversight over what the VA is doing. In other words, it's not enough to just pass the bill. You've got to see how they're making it work, how they're implementing the bill, like the PACT Act, the Richard Star Act, and health care more generally.”

Senator King closed his remarks by highlighting legislation, like improving the transition to civilian life, that he has continued to pursue for Maine veterans:

“One of the issues that I'm most interested in is the transition between active duty and veteran status. I've been saying for years, in fact, I think it was the first year I was down there on the Armed Services Committee that the Pentagon should put as much money and time and effort into the transition out as they do recruiting. Because the data is that a lot of the suicides and a lot of the problems occur in the first couple of years after leaving active duty,” Senator King concluded.

Senator King has long worked to ensure America meets its commitment to veterans and servicemembers. Throughout his time in Congress, the Senator has prioritized improving the transition to civilian life, combatting veteran suicide, improving benefits and care, and honoring the sacrifices of America’s veterans.

Last year, Senator King conducted nine interviews with Maine veterans as part of the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project, an effort by the Library to collect, preserve and distribute the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. The interviews and primary documents from the project are then used by researchers, historians, students, and filmmakers across the country. You can find or watch all nine of Senator King’s interviews HERE.

Representing one of the states with the highest rates of veterans per capita, Senator King has been a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. He has been among the Senate’s most prominent voices on the need to address veterans suicide, and has repeatedly pressed for action from top Department of Defense officials on this issue. Additionally, he recently spearheaded the passage of legislation to better track and study servicemember suicides by job assignment. Senator King has also worked to properly honor and recognize the sacrifices of Purple Heart medal recipients, protect veterans from fraud, and expand veteran assisted living services.

For a one-pager on Senator King’s advocacy for veterans, click HERE.

###