Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1506176
6 UCW AUGUST 23 - 29, 2023 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM REP. RICHARD HUDSON, R-N.C. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com. 910-484-6200. As the representative of the larg- est Army base in the world, making sure our community's veterans, troops and their families get the support they deserve is among my top priorities. At the end of July, the House passed the FY24 Military Construc- tion, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. is legislation will strengthen our commitment to our veterans by fully funding veterans' health care programs, benefits and other criti- cal VA programs. is legislation is also providing nearly $800 million above Presi- dent Biden's budget request for military construction to improve our national security. I was able to secure large wins for our community, including over $250 million in funding for critical infrastructure projects that will aid our region's military personnel, $150 million for barracks, and $36 million for a desperately needed child care center at Fort Liberty. I am especially proud this legisla- tion contains my amendment to increase funding for the Veteran Crisis Line by $10 million. e Veterans Crisis Line acts as a critical tool to help our veterans in their time of need. In March alone, the crisis line received more than 88,000 calls, texts, and chats — the highest number we've ever had in one month. e additional funding in my amendment will allow the VA to better serve veterans, and their families, by ensuring the Veterans Crisis Line has the capacity to re- spond to every veteran in need. If you are a veteran or know someone who needs assistance, contact the 24-hour Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or 988 and Press 1, text 838255, or chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/ Chat. We owe veterans our full support and I'm proud of everything House Republicans have accomplished this Congress for our veterans. Ensuring our military families and veterans have the resources they deserve are the most impor- tant duties we have in Congress, and we must continue to do everything we can to improve their quality of life. As we support our nation's vet- erans, we will never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Aug. 15 marked the two year an- niversary of when our nation lost 13 brave U.S. service members — including our own U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss — during Biden's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. ese brave men and women lost in Kabul put their lives on the line to save our fellow citizens and al- lies in harm's way, and will forever be known as heroes. I continue to pray for the family of Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, as well as the Gold Star families of each of these heroes, whose legacy will never be forgotten. I recently met with family mem- bers of these heroes, including Staff Sgt. Knauss' mother. eir pain and loss has been compounded by the misinformation and a lack of trans- parency by President Biden and his administration. ese family members deserve to know all the facts and the truth about the mistakes made that put their loved ones in harm's way. I am working with Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Mike Mc- Caul, House Armed Services Com- mittee Chairman Mike Rogers and others to ensure we get the answers they are seeking. We will hold this administration accountable. Whether it's protecting our veterans, shoring up our national security, securing the border, grow- ing our economy, or holding our government agencies accountable, I continue to fight for what matters to you most. I'm proud to be stand- ing up for you. My goal is to continue to provide you with high quality constitu- ent services and be accessible to hear your needs, thoughts, and concerns on key issues facing our community and nation. My dedicated staff in our South- ern Pines and Fayetteville district offices are here to serve you. To find out our office locations and of- fice hours, visit Hudson.house.gov or call us at 910-910-1924. Working with my House col- leagues on both sides of the aisle to advance common sense solutions that improve your quality of life is part of my commitment to you as your Congressman. Editor's note: Rep. Richard Hudson has been serving as the U.S. representative for North Carolina's 9th congressional district since 2013. Congressman strives to protect veterans and honor our fallen heroes by REP. RICHARD HUDSON OPINION Rep. Richard Hudson speaks with veterans. (Photo courtesy https://hudson.house.gov/ )