Figures Marks First Veterans Day in Congress with Bipartisan Bill to Honor Tuskegee Airmen

WASHINGTON - Today, in recognition of Veterans Day, Congressman Shomari C. Figures (AL-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to designate the U.S. Postal Service facility at 401 North Elm Street in Tuskegee, Alabama, as the "Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Post Office". The legislation follows a series of actions Congressman Figures has taken to support veterans and military families during his first year in Congress.

"Today, on my first Veterans Day in Congress, I want to wish a happy Veterans Day to all the men and women who have ever put on the uniform in defense and protection of the United States of America," said Rep. Figures (AL-02). "You are the reason we enjoy the rights, privileges, and freedoms that we do in this country. On today and every day, I want to thank you for the commitment and courage you have shown throughout your careers to make this a better nation. I also want to thank your families, because I know when servicemembers serve, their families do too."

The Tuskegee Airmen are among America's most celebrated servicemembers-a group of pioneering African American pilots and support crews who trained at Tuskegee Army Airfield and fought bravely during World War II. They not only defended our nation but also broke racial barriers, paving the way for future generations of service members and leaders.
"Designating the Tuskegee Post Office as the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Post Office is a meaningful way to honor the legacy of these trailblazing heroes, and I'm proud to do this on my first Veterans Day with the full support of Alabama's congressional delegation," said Rep. Figures (AL-02). "The Tuskegee Airmen, whom I especially honor on my first Veterans Day, not only broke barriers in our armed forces but also inspired generations of Americans to serve with courage, integrity, and pride. This recognition ensures that their sacrifice, bravery, and historic contributions to our nation will never be forgotten."

With the full support of the Alabama Congressional Delegation and Tuskegee Airmen Incorporated this legislation will ensure their legacy is permanently remembered in the community where their journey began. Every person who enters the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Post Office will be reminded of their courage, sacrifice, and service to our country.

The legislation has full, bi-partisan support of the Alabama Congressional Delegation: Reps. Barry Moore (AL-01), Mike Rogers (AL-03), Robert Aderholt (AL-04), Dale Strong (AL-05), Gary Palmer (AL-06), and Terri Sewell (AL-07). It also has the support of Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated. It has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for consideration.

Over the past year, Congressman Figures has co-sponsored several bills to protect and support our veterans and military community. They include:

• H.R. 1988, Pay Federal Workers and Servicemembers Act- This bill would help ensure unpaid federal workers are eligible for unemployment benefits during government shutdowns, offering critical support during pay disruptions.
• H.R. 2017, Pay Our Military Act- This bipartisan bill would help ensure that all members of the Armed Forces, including reservists on active duty, civilian personnel at the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, and associated contractors, continue to receive their pay during a shutdown.
• H.R. 1542 Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act- This bipartisan bill would help ensure that Coast Guard servicemembers continue to receive their pay during government shutdowns, providing them the same financial security as other branches of the U.S. military.
• H.R. 1637, Protect Veteran Jobs Act- This bill would reinstate any veteran who was removed or dismissed from a civil service position without cause since January 20, 2025, and require each executive branch agency to report quarterly to Congress on veterans removed from federal positions and the justification for such removals.
• H.R. 1628, Congressional Gold Medal for 761st Tank Battalion- This bill would award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion, collectively, in recognition of their crucial role in the success of Allied forces in Europe and for setting an enduring example as the first Black soldiers to go to war as part of an American armored unit.
• H.R. 2102, Major Richard Star Act- This bill would repeal the offset that prevents certain disabled veterans from receiving both their retirement pay and disability compensation, ensuring they receive the full benefits they have earned.
• H.R. 3195- This bipartisan bill would amend the Small Business Act to allow surviving children of service-disabled veterans to inherit ownership in a small business concern.
• H.R. 1004, Love Lives On Act- This bill would allow surviving spouses of deceased service members or veterans to retain benefits such as DIC, special pensions, SBP annuities, and TRICARE eligibility regardless of remarriage or if a subsequent marriage ends.
• H.R. 3812, STRIVE Act- This bill would allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to grant waivers to groups of veterans burdened with copay debt through no fault of their own, providing financial relief and fairness.
• H.R. 2055, Caring for Survivors Act of 2025- This bill would expand monthly benefits under the VA's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) program by increasing payments to better align with other federal survivor programs and address the rising cost of living.
• H.R. 1732, Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act- This bill would reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited representatives who charge unauthorized fees to assist veterans with VA disability claims, closing enforcement gaps and protecting veterans from predatory practices.
• H.R. 3869, Every Veteran Housed Act- This bill would remove barriers and streamline eligibility standards across VA homelessness programs, expanding access to housing resources for all who served, including members of the National Guard and Reserve.
• H.R. 1957, End Veteran Homelessness Act of 2025 - This bill would close the gap between unused HUD-VASH vouchers and veterans in need of housing by expanding eligibility, improving efficiency, and ensuring more veterans and their families can access permanent housing and supportive services.

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