There's not a day that goes by when I don't think of the brave men and women who voluntarily put themselves in harm's way to defend the values that our country holds so dear. We have both a duty and an obligation to ensure that our armed forces are fully equipped both while they are actively serving and after they return home to their families and communities.
Over 72,000 veterans call South Dakota home and it is because of these patriots that South Dakotans can continue to wake up in the greatest nation in the world. That's why it is so important to treat our veterans with the honor and respect they deserve. I have and continue to support legislation that assists veterans in transitioning back to civilian life by providing them with quality health care, education assistance and job development skills.
I was proud to recently co-sponsor H.R. 569, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act. This bill will give qualified disabled veterans and their dependents an annual COLA starting at the end of this year. I heard from many constituents across the state about the importance of this

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