Felipe Garcia
Representing and Advocating for
VETERANS AFFAIRS
The theme here for me is
Accountability
It does not add up that the Department of Defense operates with a budget of approximately $850 billion, while the Department of Veterans Affairs operates with roughly $325 billion, yet veterans still face outdated facilities, slow processes, and inconsistent service.Veterans should not be burdened with outdated facilities, sluggish processes, or unresolved inquiries.
That disconnect does not add up to me.
This is why I will go to Congress and get the real answers as to why this system is so far broken. Good or bad, we will have an answer and and begin a real path to fixing what is broken.
Healthcare
Advocate for increased federal funding and resources for the Bronx VA Hospital. Push for specialized programs for mental health, PTSD, and trauma-related services.
Housing
Expand federal grants and programs aimed at providing housing for and also comprehensive services like counseling, job training, and healthcare.
Mental Health
Expand mental health, PTSD, and trauma-related services., including counseling, addiction recovery, and suicide prevention programs.
Training
Introduce legislation to create job training and placement programs, partnerships with local businesses, and assist in workforce re-entry.
Education
Advocate for improvements in the GI Bill and other educational benefits for veterans, including funding, expanding eligibility, or simplifying the application process.
Legal
Support the establishment and funding of legal aid clinics for veterans to assist them with issues such as benefits claims, discharge upgrades, and other legal services.
I will push for rigorous oversight by joining committees where I would have the biggest influence to make the change such as:
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee
House Appropriations Committee (VA, HUD Subcommittee)
House Small Business Committee
I pledge to get an answer, whether good or bad, as to why this system is so far broken, and to act on it. I look forward to advocating and initiating a few programs, benefits, and services that would greatly assist the community.