ICYMI: Fulfilling Our Promises: Idaho’s Veterans Deserve Our Best

WASHINGTON - In a new editorial, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) emphasized his commitment to safeguarding the rights of Idaho veterans by breaking down barriers to their hard-earned benefits and care.

To read the full OpEd, click here.

Senator Risch and his staff assist thousands of Idahoans each year in navigating federal issues, cutting through red tape, and solving problems. Veterans and military families experiencing challenges with federal programs are encouraged to call his office or visit risch.senate.gov for assistance.

Fulfilling Our Promises: Idaho's Veterans Deserve Our Best

Excerpts from the editorial:

"[. . .] Many veterans and military families face serious obstacles to receiving their hard-earned benefits and resources. Bureaucratic inefficiencies, exacerbated under the Biden administration, stalled vital projects, including modernization efforts for state veterans' homes in Boise, Pocatello, and Lewiston.

"[. . .] Despite my repeated efforts, including introducing the WAIVER Act to fix these bureaucratic failures, Biden's [Department of Veterans Affairs] was immovable. It selectively applied red tape, allowing projects in predominantly Democrat-led states like Pennsylvania and Massachusetts to proceed while leaving veterans in states like Idaho out to dry.

"That all changed when I met with President Trump's VA Secretary nominee Doug Collins last December. I made it clear: we must eliminate the bureaucratic barriers unjustly denying Idaho's veterans their hard-earned benefits and care. In February, Secretary Collins called me personally with the good news-the Boise State Veterans Home would receive a waiver. After two years of needless delays, the project will finally break ground in October.

"I am proud to have worked with Secretary Collins to see that these critical modernization projects move forward for Idaho's veterans. These brave men and women risked everything for our freedoms; they should never have to fight for our support. Whether it's retirement pay, disability compensation, or education benefits, these are commitments our nation made to those who stepped up to serve.

"In Congress, I am dedicated to ensuring that the federal government honors its obligations to veterans. I've introduced legislation to streamline benefits processing, reduce backlogs, and strengthen oversight. This includes the Major Richard Star Act, to allow combat-wounded veterans to receive their disability and retirement benefits concurrently, and the Restore VA Accountability Act, to address misconduct within the VA and improve the quality of federal services.

"There is more work to do. I am committed to strengthening the resources available to Idaho's veterans and military families and to honoring our fallen heroes."

Permalink: https://www.risch.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/2025/9/icymi-fulfilling-our-promises-idaho-s-veterans-deserve-our-best