Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6047, the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act, legislation that I am leading with Chairman Bost to support the servicemembers and families who sacrificed the most for our Nation. When men and women sign up to serve in our Armed Forces, they willingly put their own lives on the line to defend the American people and the freedoms we too often take for granted. Some of those heroes make the ultimate sacrifice. Others who are lucky enough to come home do so with life-changing injuries.
2026 MidtermsToss-Up SeatR+4R shift +9$3.8M raised
Tom Barrett
Representative · Michigan · Republican
Tom Barrett
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act. This package includes more than 60 bipartisan bills that modernize, enhance, and reform the delivery of healthcare and benefits for the entire veteran community. It also delivers numerous bills that veterans and VSOs across America have been vocal about, like the Major Richard Star Act, the Love Lives On Act, the ACCESS Act, the TAP Promotion and Expansion Act, and more.
Mr. Speaker, the men and women who served and sacrificed for our Nation deserve the best healthcare that our country can offer, and they certainly shouldn't have to wait weeks or longer just to find out if they can make an appointment to see a doctor. This is an issue that has plagued the VA healthcare system for decades. The good news is that the VA community care program is helping us turn things around by allowing veterans to receive medical services from local healthcare providers outside of the traditional VA hospitals and clinics right in their own communities closer to home.
Biography
Tom Barrett, a former Army helicopter pilot, represents Michigan’s 7th District in the U.S. House of Representatives after his election in 2022. Drawing on his military experience, Barrett focuses on strengthening veterans’ services, improving infrastructure, and supporting Michigan’s manufacturing base. He has advocated for expanded mental health resources for veterans and serves on the House Armed Services Committee. Barrett approaches his work with a practical commitment to his district’s economic stability and security, emphasizing responsive and steady leadership.
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2025–PresentRepresented Michigan's 7th congressional district for 1 term.
Michigan State Senator
2019–2023Served in the Michigan Senate and in 2022 chaired the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Michigan State Representative
2015–2019Served in the Michigan House of Representatives after first being elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2016.
U.S. Army Officer
Served for 21 years in the U.S. Army and Michigan Army National Guard, including deployments to South Korea, Guantanamo Bay, Kuwait, and Iraq, and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 in 2022.
Financial Analyst
Worked professionally as a financial analyst prior to serving in Congress.
Policy Focus
Armed Forces and National Security79%
Emergency Management7%
Transportation and Public Works7%
Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues7%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Tom Barrett's record in Congress.
Veterans Affairs
Sponsored legislation to expand property tax exemptions for disabled veterans in Michigan.
PFAS Contamination Response
Advocated for state action and funding to address PFAS contamination in drinking water in Eaton and Clinton counties.
Broadband Expansion
Supported increased funding for rural broadband internet access in underserved Michigan communities.
Mental Health Funding
Helped secure additional state funding for local mental health services in mid-Michigan.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
- House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
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