Chet Edwards For Congress

Fighting Hard for America's Veterans and Military Retirees

Congressman Chet Edwards believes America has a solemn commitment to America's veterans and military retirees - to see that they are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, and to see that our government honors their service and sacrifices not just in words, but in deeds.

In 2007, Congressman Edwards became the Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee. In his first year as Chairman, Chet authored a historic increase of $11.8 billion in veterans' health care funding, the largest increase in the 77-year history of the VA. This groundbreaking funding increase will help improve services, reduce waiting times, ensure proper maintenance at VA hospitals, hire more than 3,100 claims processors to reduce the current 400,000 claim backlog.

Fighting to Save the Waco VA Hospital

Chet Edwards has led the fight to save the VA Hospital since the day the CARES Commission recommended closing the historic, 73 year-old facility in 2003.

Working alongside area veterans, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and local leaders, Chet spearheaded the fight to keep the Waco VA open, and expand its mission as a National Mental Health Center of Excellence.

Since 2006, Chet has secured $5.7 million for innovative Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) research at the Waco VA. The record level budget also increased the number of employees at the Waco VA by 127, the Waco Regional office by 138, and made possible $49 million for five new construction projects on the Waco VA campus starting in 2008.

In 2007, Chet authored and passed the largest budget increase in the history of the VA:

Historic increases for the VA health care and benefits system

• $11.8 billion in overall increases for VA health care and benefits since January 2007
• $3.4 billion increase for the VA Fiscal Year 2007 budget
• $1.8 billion in Supplemental funding in May 2007 Iraq war spending bill
• $6.6 billion increase in Fiscal Year 2008 VA Appropriations bill

Other key increases in the VA budget since January 2007: 


• Medical Services $29.1 billion (from $22.5 billion, a 29% increase)
• Medical Administration $3.5 billion (from $2.9 billion, a 21% increase)
• Medical Facilities $4.1 billion (from $3.3 billion, a 24% increase)
• Medical Research $480 million (from $412 million, a 17% increase)
• Substance Abuse $428 million (from $358 million, a 20% increase)
• Homeless veterans $130 million (from $63.6 million, a 104% increase)

A 240% increase to $1.08 billion in the 2008 VA maintenance budget to improve VA facilities and prevent a Walter Reed-like tragedy from occurring in the VA system

Supporting our rural veterans who live far from VA facilities

• Increased the travel reimbursement from 11 cents/mile to 28.5 cents/mile. (First increase since 1979, when gas was 95 cents/gallon.)

Focusing on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury

• $2.9 billion on VA mental health care, a 32% increase since 2006
• $66 million for a new Level 1 Polytrauma Center in San Antonio
• $100 million in the Iraq supplemental for mental health care
• $8 million for additional Polytrauma support clinic teams and $5.4 million for additional Polytrauma needs

Focusing on the 400,000 claims backlog by hiring additional claims processors

• Added 3,100 new claims processors to the VA
• 400 new hires funded through FY07 CR
• 800 new hires funded through Iraq Supplemental
• 1,800 new hires funded by FY08 Omnibus

Fighting TRICARE Premium Increases for Military Retirees

In March 2006, Chet introduced the Military Retirees' Healthcare Protection Act which would block the Administration's plan to double and triple health care premiums for 3 million enlisted and officer retirees under TRICARE.  Parts of Chet's legislation were included in the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 and 2008. 

Eliminating the Disabled Veterans Tax

The only federal retirees that are penalized for collecting VA disability benefits are military retirees, who are taxed a dollar of retirement pay for every dollar of VA disability pay they get.  Overcoming a veto threat, Chet and other Members of Congress were able to partially phase out this tax, but there are many veterans left out and the fight is not over.

Opening a State Veterans Cemetery in Central Texas

Chet authored the Field of Honor Act, which was passed by Congress, setting aside land for the new State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen.  The cemetery was opened in late 2005, providing an eternal resting place for those who served our nation in uniform. 

Nation's Top Veteran & Military Organizations Salute Edwards for Leadership on Veterans and Military Issues

Chet has repeatedly been recognized by top veterans and military organizations for his tireless work on behalf of America's veterans and the men and women who wear the uniform today.  Chet has been honored with:

• 2008 American Legion Distinguished Service Award given to only one member of Congress
• 2008 Veterans of Foreign War Congressional Award
• 2007 Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Award
• 2006 Military Coalition Award of Merit
• 2006 National Guard Association Charles Dick Medal of Merit
• 2006 Exemplary Legislator – National Association of Mental Illness’ Veterans Council
• 2005 Military Order of the Purple Heart’s National Inspirational Leadership Award for work in Congress on important veterans’ issues.
• 2005 National Inspirational Leadership Award from the Military Order of the Purple Heart
• 2004 American Legion Unsung Hero Award
• 2004 American Legion Meritorious Service Award
• 2004 “Going to Bat for Veterans” Award –- National Disabled American Veterans
• 2004 Support of Military Families Award from The National Military Family Association (NMFA). The award recognizes service and dedication to improving the quality of life for uniformed service members and their families.
• 2004 “Going to Bat for Veterans” Award -- National Disabled American Veterans
• 2004 Champion for Children -- Military Impacted Schools Association
• 2003 Legislator of the Year -- Association of the United States Army
• 2003 Harry S. Truman Award -- National Association of Federally Impacted Schools
• 2002 USO Quality of Life Award
• 1998 Legislator of the Year from the bipartisan National Security Caucus
• 1996 L. Mendel Rivers Award of Excellence from the Air Force Sergeants Association for stopping the plan to reduce military retirement pay
• 1996 True Champion for Military School Children Award by the National Military Impacted Schools Association (MISA)
• 1995 FRIEND OF IMPACT AID NATIONAL AWARD from The National Association of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS)
• 1995 National Security Leadership Award from the American Security Council