WASHINGTON -- Arkansas' senior U.S. senator has been named Legislator of the Year by the Wounded Warrior Project.
John Boozman earned the recognition for "his steadfast commitment to America's veterans and championing legislation to improve their benefits and services," according to a news release.
Jose Ramos, vice president of government and community relations for WWP, praised Boozman as responsive to the needs of veterans and diligent in trying to address those needs.
"He is an outstanding champion of wounded warriors and the entire veteran community, and we're so honored to be able to recognize him with our Legislator of the Year award for 2023," Ramos said in the release.
Boozman said it is an honor to work with the Project.
"I look forward to continuing our productive collaboration to ensure our nation fulfills the promise made to those who have worn America's uniform," Boozman said.
The Project cited a number of examples of Boozman's that led to the award, including his advocacy for passing legislation enhancing breast cancer screenings for at-risk former servicemembers; making it easier for veterans with service-related conditions to receive a clothing allowance benefit; and enhancing support for survivors of military sexual trauma. The senator also is applauded for his leadership on "landmark legislation" expanding care and benefits for toxic-exposed veterans and their families to the president's desk, the news release states.
"The PACT Act has been one of WWP's key legislative priorities for years, and the bill faced significant hurdles in the Senate," Ramos said. "Senator Boozman was with the veteran community every step of the way, and he deserves so much credit for the bill being signed into law."
Boozman is a senior member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee and ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee responsible for Department of Veterans Affairs funding. He currently is leading the floor debate on the Fiscal Year 2024 Senate Military Construction and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.
In recent days he introduced legislation to preserve veterans' access to lifesaving emergency medical transportation and a bill to enhance oversight and accountability practices at VA medical centers, the release states.