During my time as the 8th Secretary of Veterans Affairs, I saw firsthand that behind every veteran is a family quietly carrying the weight of service—often for a lifetime.

Today, 14.3 million Americans are caring for a wounded, ill, or injured service member or veteran. This week, Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellows are walking the halls of Congress on their behalf.

Steve Schwab and I have a new op-ed in The Hill making the case that three bills now before Congress—the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, the CHAMPVA Children’s Care Protection Act, and the Veteran Caregiver Re-education, Re-employment, and Retirement Act—offer lawmakers one of the clearest bipartisan wins available today.

When you strengthen the caregiver, you strengthen the veteran. These families have answered every call. Congress has a chance to answer theirs.

Read the full op-ed in The Hill: https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/5881897-supporting-veteran-family-caregivers/