The other week, I spoke at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) in Marshalltown on my 36 County Tour. I had the opportunity to tour this incredible facility and speak with members of the community who assisted in making this project possible.

Since the American Revolution, over one million United States service members have died in combat or from service-related injuries. Our brave men and women have laid down their lives to ensure that we live in the freest, most prosperous nation in world history. This is a debt that we will never be able to repay.

This is why it is so important to me that we secure quality, state-of-the-art care for our veterans–the care they deserve. Our veterans should never have to worry about accessible healthcare services right within their communities. This 12,000 square foot facility will provide primary care, telehealth services, physical therapy, and much more to the brave Iowans who answered the call of duty.

Serving the 4th Congressional District in Congress, I’ve supported many different forms of legislation that ensure healthcare for our nation’s heroes. From the PACT Act, legislation that bolsters support for veterans who qualify for the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, to the Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act, which expanded mental healthcare for our veterans residing in rural communities, I have worked to give back to those who have given so much.

As a strong advocate for our veterans and their families, I will continue to ensure that our veterans receive the benefits they have earned and the best healthcare we can provide. Iowa veterans will always have an ally and a voice in me in Congress.