“As marijuana is legalized for medical and recreational use across the United States, it is important that we study the effects of the substance and the potential impacts it can have on various populations. By rescheduling marijuana from a schedule I controlled substance to a schedule III controlled substance, the opportunities for research and study are drastically expanded. With this rescheduling, researchers can now access federal funds to research this substance and determine its medical value.”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, during debate on H.R. 3239, The Humanitarian Standards for Individuals in Customs and Border Protection Custody Act, in…

“It’s clear Representative Ocasio-Cortez has never dealt with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or relied on them for care. If she had, she would know that their system is in dire need of reform. From veterans waiting 30-60 days for an appointment, suicide hotlines going to voicemail, to the rationing of medicine and vast cost overruns, this Department is failing on multiple fronts. To say that this is the level of care those who put their lives on the line to defend our nation deserve is frankly offensive.”

“As a veteran, I’m committed to ensuring that veterans receive the care they deserve, and I know that sometimes that care can include medical marijuana. Receiving the appropriate treatment to address your health care needs—using products that are legal in the state in which you live—should not preclude you from your Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.”

“It’s important that we do all we can to honor our nation’s veterans. Our nation has long valued giving our Veterans the opportunity to travel to our nation’s capital to visit national war memorials through national honor buses and honor flights. This bill would waive the various administrative and processing fees associated with visiting these memorials. These men and women made a valiant sacrifice by serving in the armed forces and giving them the opportunity to visit the memorials in their honor without pesky fees is the least we can do to recognize their service.”

“As a Veteran and a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I know the importance of listening to Veterans to ensure they are receiving the care they deserve. This bill will direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to partner with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) to conduct a small-scale study to review the findings from a previous radiation dose assessment (RDA) conducted by the Department of Defense (DOD). If there are discrepancies in the original RDA, I’m determined to get to the bottom of it.”

“I am thrilled to share the news that the people of Florida’s 17th district will have strong representation on a range of important issues facing our nation. My appointment to these committees will ensure I will fight in support of a wall on our southern border, protect taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse, and that our veterans will have one of their own fighting for them in Congress.”