U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3) today voted in favor of two pieces of bi-partisan legislation that provide funding for the National Guard and Reserves and allows for the processing of claims at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“The Senate and the White House previously supported House legislation to continue funding our active duty military members, so there is no reason why they should reject legislation ensuring our that our Guard and Reserve troops have the resources they need to perform their critical missions,” Luetkemeyer said. “I also could not allow politics to stand in the way of our veterans which is why I supported legislation allowing VA claims processors to continue work on applications in order to prevent the growing backlog of benefit applications and disability payments.”

 Also, last night Luetkemeyer voted to support the re-opening of national parks, due in large part to his support for veterans being able to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. He also voted in favor of legislation funding the National Institutes of Health which performs critical medical research.

“I urge the Senate and the White House to stop turning their backs on hard-working Americans and support these critical pieces of legislation,” Luetkemeyer said. “My House colleagues and I are committed to doing our  jobs and passing bills that will get this government up and running.”