Today, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs approved a measure authored by Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) and Chairman Jeff Miller (FL-01) to honor American veterans disabled for life. According to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, at least 3.6 million veterans currently live with a service-related disability.

“This recognition honors those brave men and women who were left disabled, ill or permanently injured while serving their country,” said Rep. Frankel. “Their sacrifice must never be forgotten.”

“We dedicated the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial almost one year ago, but for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country, the fight is not over. The memorial is not an end point, but one reminder of the struggles these American veterans face every day,” said Rep. Miller. “That is why it is so important to show the world that we will continue to honor the sacrifices they have made for our country and let our disabled veterans know they will never be forgotten.”

Representatives Frankel and Miller introduced the measure that became section 17 of H.R. 677, as amended, to express Congress’ support for annual recognition of the servicemen and women who stepped up to defend our nation and are left permanently wounded, ill, or injured as the result of their service.

H.R. 677, as amended, passed the committee unanimously. The text as reported out of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs can be found here.