Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies
Chairman John Carter
HT-2 The Capitol
(202) 225-3047
Majority | Minority |
| John Carter – Chair | Debbie Wasserman Schultz – Ranking Member |
| John Rutherford | Sanford Bishop, Jr. |
| Michael Guest | Veronica Escobar |
| Ryan Zinke | Mike Levin |
| Stephanie Bice | Henry Cuellar |
| Scott Franklin | |
| Mark Alford – Vice Chair | |
| Nick LaLota |
Recent Activity
Today’s hearing is on the quality of life for our enlisted soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, guardians, and their families.
The five witnesses at the table represent the highest enlisted level of leadership for their respective branches.
I am pleased that we are having this hearing again as we begin the Fiscal Year 2026 cycle. This group’s insight is critical. This hearing is a great opportunity to identify areas where we can be more helpful to our service members and their families.
Good morning. I would like to welcome Dr. Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary for Health and Mr. Josh Jacobs, Under Secretary for Benefits at the Veterans Benefits Administration both of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The subcommittee recognizes and appreciates the work being done at the VA. We know that since the PACT Act, enrollment in VA health care has grown significantly as we provide earned benefits to our veterans.
Dr. Elnahal and Mr. Jacobs, welcome, and thank you for taking the time to appear here today to discuss this pressing issue affecting our veterans.
America’s long line of service is reflected through the millions of people who have served her in uniform across the nation, and I’m proud that nearly 236,000 veterans call Oklahoma home. We owe our freedoms to these heroes, and it is our duty to honor the commitments we’ve made to them. Our veterans should never be underserved – and they should never be misled to believe that their care and benefits are at risk.
