Honoring our Vietnam Veterans

Honoring our Vietnam Veterans 

March 29, 1973 was the day the last combat troops were ordered out of Vietnam. Up until this week, there was nothing in federal statute specifically commemorating this date or even formally recognizing our Vietnam veterans.

Thankfully, President Trump signed bipartisan legislation last Tuesday that I authored with my Democratic colleague, Senator Joe Donnelly of Indiana, permanently designating each March 29^th as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

In many cases, Vietnam veterans did not receive the warm welcome they earned when they came home. In the years following the Vietnam War, people and organizations across the country took it upon themselves to right this wrong by honoring the sacrifice and dedication to service our Vietnam veterans displayed. Permanently designating March 29^th as National Vietnam War Veterans Day is a small, yet significant step, in these efforts. 

Please check out the coverage from the Reading Eagle, Bradford Era, Morning Call, and Johnstown Tribune Democrat to learn more about National Vietnam War Veterans Day. 

Supporting Judge Neil Gorsuch for the Supreme Court of the United States 

Last week, I spoke on the Senate floor in support of Judge Neil Gorsuch's nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States. You can watch the speech by clicking on the image above.

A judge is supposed to see everyone the same regardless of race, sex, wealth, political affiliation, or other characteristics. A judge is obligated to neutrally apply the law. Whether you are a man or a woman, young or old, rich or poor, black or white, that is not supposed to matter to a judge. There is a reason our symbol of justice, Lady Justice, is depicted wearing a blindfold-it is because as a judge you are not supposed to decide based on these characteristics of a person; you are supposed to decide based on what the law says. This is fundamental to an independent judiciary, to a nation that lives by the rule of law.

Not only does Judge Gorsuch hold these views, but he also has sterling credentials. He earned his undergraduate degree from Columbia University, his law degree from Harvard, and a PhD in Law from Oxford University.

Judge Gorsuch's record indicates that he has the character, intellect, and experience to make an excellent addition to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Discussing the Issues 

Last Monday, I stopped by the studios of KDKA 1020 AM in Pittsburgh to talk with Mike Pintek.

For the half hour I was on Mike's show, I offered my thoughts on health care reform and how we should move forward to improve legislation. Additionally, Mike and I discussed Judge Neil Gorsuch's nomination to the Supreme Court of the United States and other important issues.

The entire interview is available on-demand on KDKA's website if you would like to listen.

York County has a long, storied reputation as a manufacturing leader in our country. And thanks in part to BAE Systems, this reputation continues to be upheld. Not only does BAE Systems produce critical vehicles that protect the safety of our troops and ensure the success of our military, but they also employ over 1,200 people.

In the coming years, it is incumbent upon Congress and the Trump administration to dedicate more resources towards rebuilding our military. Frankly, our military has far too few ships at sea, airplanes that can fly, and too few vehicles that can show up on the battlefield when needed. As we tackle the task of rebuilding our military, the employees at BAE in York will play a critical role.

To read more about my visit, please check out the coverage in the York Dispatch and the Central Penn Business Journal. 

Pennsylvania Leadership Conference 

I was honored to deliver the keynote address at this year's Pennsylvania Leadership Conference Kick-Off Lunch in Camp Hill. My address focused on Judge Neil Gorsuch and the need to confirm him to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Founded in 1989, the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference serves as a yearly meeting in support of conservative causes and policies. In addition to speeches, the conference also offers informative panels and seminars on issues relating policy, communications, and grassroots organizing.

To learn more about the Pennsylvania Leadership Conference, visit their website.