A call to stand up for our veterans and their families

As a nation, we owe our veterans more than just a debt of gratitude, and though that goes a long way, what is owed and deserved goes beyond words and ceremonial gestures. These brave men and women have risked their lives to protect our freedoms, and they deserve tangible support that acknowledges their sacrifices and the sacrifices of their families. Yet, recent actions by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin to cancel state veteran benefits — benefits that provided free public college tuition for the children of some veterans — represent a profound betrayal of our promises to those who have served as soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen and guardsmen.

The decision to revoke these educational benefits is not just a policy shift, it is a direct attack on the future of veteran families. These benefits were not merely perks. Much of what was canceled are essential support systems designed to help veteran families continue to improve their quality of life and ensure their children have the opportunities they deserve.

These services and benefits should be made available on the national level. Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and providing a pathway to success, and many of our veterans enter the service for these benefits. Denying them undermines the stability and prospects of those who have already given so much.

These issues bring to light gaps in our service to our veterans. Today, as a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Florida, I propose a national initiative: the Veterans and Families Bill of Rights. This legislation would ensure that veterans and their families receive the support and benefits they deserve, regardless of state politics or shifting administrations. Key components of this Bill of Rights will include:

— Guaranteed free public college education for children of veterans: Extending educational benefits to ensure that the children of those who have served our country can access higher education without financial barriers.

— Enhanced health care benefits: Expanding health care coverage for veterans and their families, including mental health and dental services, to address the full spectrum of needs arising from military service.

— Employment and financial support programs: Providing robust job training and placement services to assist veterans as they transition into civilian careers and achieve long-term financial stability.

— Affordable housing initiatives: Ensuring veterans and their families have access to safe, affordable housing options as they reintegrate into civilian life and equally assuring there are programs that ensure they can afford the home they purchased on a level field that considers the region where they return both during and post service.

— Comprehensive family support services: Offering continued counseling and mental health support as a normal part of the discharge process, financial planning and other resources to help veteran families navigate the unique challenges they face having been removed from the normal process of their counterparts.

These measures are not merely aspirational; they are a moral imperative. Our veterans have upheld their end of the bargain with unwavering dedication and bravery. It is time for us to honor our commitments to them and their families in a meaningful way.

The Virginia governor’s actions are stark reminders of the work that remains to be done. We must hold our leaders and our nation accountable to these soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and guardsmen as we demand that Congress prioritize the needs of those who have sacrificed for our country.

I pledge to champion these causes and work tirelessly to ensure that our veterans and their families receive the respect, support and opportunities they have rightfully earned. However, this does not have to wait until Election Day. These items can be approved today. Let’s not wait on an election.

Let us stand together and advocate for a future where the sacrifices of our service members are met with gratitude that extends beyond words — a future where our actions reflect our deepest values of honor, respect and commitment to those who have given us so much.

Stanley Campbell, a Democrat, is a U.S. Senate candidate in Florida and a former U.S. Navy pilot.