ICYMI: Buchanan Honors Local Veterans, Urges Congress to End Shutdown in Sarasota Herald-Tribune Op-Ed

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan penned an op-ed in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune honoring the courage and sacrifice of America's veterans while urging both parties in Congress to come together and end the government shutdown.

"As we gather today for ceremonies across Manatee and Hillsborough Counties, I'm reminded that honoring our veterans means more than words; it means action," writes Buchanan in the op-ed. "It is impossible to ignore that for the last 42 days, the government shutdown has disrupted critical services for veterans and military families."

In the op-ed, Buchanan highlights Florida's 16th Congressional District as home to more than 60,000 veterans, one of the largest veteran communities in the nation, and emphasizes his continued work to help veterans recover benefits and access critical services.

Read the full op-ed here or below:

On Veterans Day, Let's Remember What Service Really Means

By Congressman Vern Buchanan

On this Veterans Day, we honor the courage, sacrifice and unwavering dedication of America's veterans.

Florida's 16th Congressional District is home to more than 60,000 veterans, one of the nation's largest communities of brave men and women who proudly served their country. From World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan, our veterans have defended freedom, protected democracy and served with honor.

Veterans embody the values our nation holds most dear: duty, honor, integrity and love of country. They remind us that freedom is not free and that America's strength has always come from those willing to put their neighbors above themselves. May their legacy live on in each and every one of us.

This Veterans Day, we also remember those we've lost. One such hero was Sergeant First Class John Skeen of Bradenton, a decorated World War II veteran and beloved member of our community who passed away last month at the age of 107. SFC Skeen served in the U.S. Army's 70th Infantry Rifle Platoon, helping to liberate towns across France from Nazi occupation. His legacy reminds us that America's greatness endures because of men and women like him who fought, served and continue to inspire generations to come.

As we gather today for ceremonies across Manatee and Hillsborough Counties, I'm reminded that honoring our veterans means more than words; it means action. It is impossible to ignore that for the last 42 days, the government shutdown has disrupted critical services for veterans and military families.

The ongoing shutdown has held government funding hostage, all to advance Democrats' $1.5 trillion partisan wishlist. It has closed VA benefits regional offices, ceased transition assistance for servicemembers returning to civilian life and suspended maintenance at national cemeteries, including the placement of permanent headstones.

I joined House Republicans to pass a clean continuing resolution to keep the government open and pay our troops, protect Medicare and Social Security, and ensure that critical services for veterans continue to operate. Unfortunately, Democrats in Congress refused to pass our clean funding package for over a month, shutting down critical services.

This is unacceptable. No veteran should ever have to wonder whether the country they fought to defend will fulfill its most basic promise to them.

Thankfully, not all VA services are impacted by the shutdown. VA medical centers, outpatient clinics and Vet Centers remain open and continue to provide care. Benefits such as disability compensation, pensions and education assistance are still being processed.

My office has also remained committed to helping veterans secure benefits, process VA claims and recover the payments they've earned. So far this year, my team and I have recovered more than $2 million for veterans across our district. This is only one small way that we can honor our veterans who served with courage. We owe our veterans not only our gratitude but the promise to preserve the freedoms they fought to defend.

Thankfully, the end of the shutdown is in sight. I am grateful that eight Senate Democrats joined Senate Republicans Sunday night to vote to fund the government and restore stability for families, workers and veterans across America.

Now, the government funding package returns to the House for a final vote. If it passes, the shutdown will end, and the government will reopen.

Veterans understand what it means to put country above politics and duty above division, having sworn an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. My colleagues in Congress-Republican and Democrat alike-did the same when they were sworn in to office.

As the House of Representatives prepares to vote to end the shutdown, I urge my Democratic colleagues to remember their oath and put country above politics so we can reopen the government and ensure veterans, troops and families receive the support they deserve.

This Veterans Day, I remain hopeful that both parties in Congress will come together and end the shutdown once and for all. May our veterans' service not be in vain, and may our government's actions always be worthy of their sacrifice.

Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) is the Vice Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the Chair of the Health Subcommittee. Prior to serving in Congress, Buchanan was in business for over 30 years and chaired both the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Florida Chamber of Commerce. He served as a member of the board and the executive committee of the United States Chamber of Commerce. He also served in the Air National Guard for six years.