Docs Vets Legislation-110th Congress

VETS LEGISLATION

Woman Veterans Legislation
June 5, 2009

More than 1.8 million of the 23 million American. veterans are women.
They have an array of unique health care needs that many VA Medical Centers simply are not equipped to meet.
In the foreseeable future, it is anticipated that there will be a surge of women seeking care from
the VA as they return to civilian life after having deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq..

Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin has introduced H.R. 1211, the "Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009."
Senator Patty Murray has introduced the companion bill, S.597, in the Senate.
Passage of this legislation will provide benefits and needed reforms that women who served
in the military warrant because of their service to our nation

This legislation, when enacted into law, will facilitate a needed study of barriers to women seeking VA health care; will require
an assessment of the women's health care programs currently in place at VA healthcare facilities; will provide the VA the authority to reimburse
the cost of medical care for the newborn children of women veterans; will enhance VA sexual trauma counseling and PTSD treatment for women; will
establish a pilot program for child care services; and will require the addition of recently separated women veterans on various VA advisory committees.

Please contact your Member of Congress and your Senators now and ask them to co-sponsor and vote for H.R. 1211
in the House, and S.597 in the Senate, the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2009.

House Committee Marks up Vet Bills
Several bills cleared their respective subcommittees this week. All of the bills now move to the full committee for consideration.
HR 952 would expand the meaning of combat with the enemy to mean active duty service in a combat theater during a time of war
not just during actual combat. The bill aims to shorten the claims process for many veterans suffering from psychological injuries.
HR 2270 would establish a compensation fund for certain WWII veterans who were not eligible for readjustment benefits.
Those eligible would receive a monthly payment of $1000
HR 1037 would authorize $10 million annually to implement a five-year pilot program to expand work-study activities for veterans on campuses.
HR 1098, The Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009 would increase educational assistance for veterans pursuing internships or on-
the-job training. It also increased the monthly training assistance for eligible veterans and their dependents under
the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance program.
HR 2180 would waive housing loan fees for veterans with service-connected disabilities called to active duty.
HR 1821, The Equity for Injured Veterans Act of 2009 would extend VA's Vocational Rehabilitation program to 15 years following discharge
or release from active duty. It also authorizes single parents participating in the program up to $2000 a month for child care services.
For more information on any of the bills cleared visit the House VA website at: http://veterans.house.gov/
OR type the bill # into the box at http://thomas.loc.gov/

Benefits Bill for Women Veterans Cleared:
A comprehensive bill that will improve health care for female veterans cleared the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health this week. HR 1211,
The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act is a VFW priority goal. The bill as passed would:
**Authorize $4 million to VA to study barriers women face in accessing care and another $5 million for an assessment
of the VA's health care services and programs provided to female veterans.
**Create a new program to offer graduate medical education, training and certification to mental health professionals who provide counseling,
care and services for veterans suffering from sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.
**Authorize $1.5 million in 2010 and 2011 for a pilot program to provide child care to veterans who are receiving mental health or other intensive care services at VA facilities.
**Provide health care services for the newborns of female veterans who delivered at VA facilities for 7 days after birth.
Last month, the Senate VA Committee passed similar legislation in a large health care bill. VFW thanks both Senator Patty Murray
and Representative Herseth-Sandlin for their leadership on this most important bill.

House VA Committee Hearings
Wednesday: The Full Committee met to discuss homeless veterans. Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) talked about the commitment
to end homelessness by the Administration and the growing number of OIE/OEF and female veterans at risk because of poverty
and lack of support from family, friends and program availability. Panelists discussed VA programs that have proven successful such as
the Grant and Per Diem program which helps public and non-profit organizations establish and operate transitional housing and service centers.
Many suggested increasing the per diem amount for the program as it uses an antiquated system that does not allow for geographic differences
and changes in service costs. Witnesses all agreed that a more comprehensive strategy to combat homelessness to include more outreach by VA
would help prevent veterans from becoming homeless in the first place. VA reported that the number of veterans who are
homeless has decreased from 195,000 in 2005 to 131,000 in 2008.
Thursday: The Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on meeting the needs of family caregivers of veterans. The hearing hoped to identify
gaps in supportive services to those family members providing care to severely disabled veterans. Witnesses included representatives from the
Wounded Warrior Project, National Military Family Association, VA, DOD, HHS, and groups that provide in-home and respite care for individuals
in need. Chairman Michael Michaud (D-ME) asked panelists to comment on recent legislation introduced and what the committee can provide
by way of economic and other support for those caring for their wounded family members. Lack of coordination between VA and DOD when providing
services was the most common complaint of witnesses. Retired Cmdr. Rene Campos, Deputy Director for government relations, Military Officers
Association of America said it best when she commented as a part of her testimony that "There needs to be a commitment from VA and DOD to work
together to build a total package that will meet the needs of the servicemember and their families now and into the future."
For more information on the hearings or to view the recorded webcast go to: http://veterans.house.gov/

Japan Apologizes to American POWs
Japan's Ambassador to the U.S. delivered his government's historic apology to the former POWs of Japan, their families,
and friends at the last convention of the American Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor (ADBC) on May 30 in San Antonio, Texas.
In the Pacific Theater, during World War II, over 29,000 American military personnel were captured by the Japanese. Nearly 40 percent
of those POWs died in captivity as a result of the Bataan Death March and the horrific conditions that existed in the Japanese POW forced labor
camps and enslavement at private Japanese companies. The ADBC, for decades, has been pressing Japan for an apology for the inhumane
treatment American POWs suffered under Japan's colonial rule during WWII. They also seek an apology from Japanese industry for their
inhumane actions and to include the American POWs in a new and permanent Peace, Friendship, and Exchange Fund. Note: The VFW has
been working closely with the ADBC and the U.S. State Department over the past six months to facilitate this apology, and to pressure
Japan to include American POWs in the Peace, Friendship, and Exchange program.

MAY 8, 2009
Good News for Veterans & The Military as we move into Armed Forces Week May 8-17, 2009

1. VA Budget Released: President Obama rolled out the specifics of his FY 2010 budget this week.
Under his proposal, VA will receive $55.9 billion in discretionary funding, about $5.7 billion more than last year.
The amount exceeds the $54.6 billion recommended by the Independent Budget.
The funding provided would allow 500,000 more Category 8 veterans to enroll in VA by 2013.

Other budget highlights include:
* $5.9 billion to expand institutional and non-institutional long term care.
* $4.6 billion to expand inpatient, residential and outpatient mental health clinics.
* $1.9 billion for five medical facility construction projects already in progress, and funding for seven new projects.
* $1.8 billion to improve claims processing, which includes sufficient funding for new GI Bill claims.
* $440 million to improve access to rural health care.
* $360 million for development and implementation of an electronic health record.
* $183 million for women veterans' services.
* $144 million for a paperless claims processing system.

2. House Small Business Committee Action:
The hearing delved into veterans' employment with specific emphasis on opportunities for entrepreneurship through legislation
sponsored by Rep. Glenn Nye (D-VA). HR 1803, would establish a veterans' small business program, and enhance opportunities
for veterans wanting to start their own business or build on an existing one.
Title I of the bill would expand services by providing entrepreneurial education, information, and resources to assist veterans in
starting or maintaining a business. The bill would allow $10 million in grants for veteran business centers in FY 2010 and $12 million in FY 2011.

3. House VA Committee Moves Bills: The House VA Committee approved several VFW-supported bills by voice vote. The bills include:
* HR 1170 would provide grants up to $200,000 for development of technologies to improve adaptive housing for disabled veterans.
* HR 1088, The Mandatory Veteran Specialist Training Act of 2009, would provide a one-year period for training (instead of the
current three) for new DVOPs and LVOPs through the National Veterans Employment and Training Institute.
* HR 1089 would enforce employment rights of veterans and members of the armed services employed by the Federal Government.
* HR 466, The Wounded Veterans Job Security Act, would prohibit any employment discrimination against veterans
who have an injury, illness or disability determined by VA. The bill was amended to clarify reemployment protections afforded
to service members and veterans in the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
The bills now move to the full Committee and get moved to the House floor for action. For more on any of
the bills, type the bill number into the search box at: http://thomas.loc.gov/

4. Defense Budget Released: The President released this week his proposed FY2010 budget, requesting $663.8 billion for defense.
This figure includes $533.8 billion in discretionary budget authority and $130 billion to support overseas contingency operations.
This is a 4% increase over FY2009 defense spending, but only 2.1% in real growth after adjusting for inflation. Some budget highlights are:
* 2.9% across-the-board military pay raise.
* 6% average increase in Basic Allowance for Housing and a 5% increase in Basic Allowance for Subsistence.
* 2% pay raise for civilian employees.
* Provides $11 billion to fund military housing and support programs, to include constructing new barracks and family housing units,
funding for child care centers, youth programs, and morale, welfare, and recreation activities.
* Fully funds military healthcare this year with no proposal to raise Tricare fees.
* Provides $3.3 billion to support injured service members in their recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration.
* $6.8 billion to buy 30 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, and ends production of the Air Force F-22 air-superiority fighter.
* Halts production of the C-17 airlifter program as analysis has concluded that 205 aircraft already in the force or in production is sufficient.
* Reduces the Missile Defense Agency program by $1.2 billion by requesting only $7.8 billion.
The program will be restructured to focus on the rogue state and theater missile threat.

S. 407, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009:
This bill would provide a cost-of-living increase for millions of disabled veterans and their families by updating veterans’ disability
compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children, and additional related benefits.

S. 514, the Veterans Rehabilitation and Training Improvements Act of 2009:
Following the enactment of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, this legislation would upgrade the other critical aspect of VA’s education and training
benefits system: rehabilitation for disabled veterans. S. 514 would increase VA’s flexibility in paying for veterans’ rehabilitation-related
expenses, boost the living stipend for rehabilitating veterans, and remove the existing cap on participation in VA’s independent living services.

S. 728, the Veterans’ Insurance and Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009:
This comprehensive bill focuses on providing assistance to veterans disabled while serving their country and assisting veterans as
they transition from military to civilian life. Improvements include a new insurance program for disabled veterans, better coverage
options for existing insurance programs, extended benefits for burn injured servicemembers and veterans, and increases
to certain benefits that have not been updated for many years for veterans and their survivors.

S. 919, the Clarification of Characteristics of Combat Service Act of 2009:
S. 919 would ease the burden on many combat veterans seeking compensation for service-connected disabilities. VA would be required to
issue regulations including standards that VA adjudicators would use for evaluating the consistency between lay evidence and claimed
matters, such as exposure to factors common to servicemembers serving in particular combat areas.

MAY 1, 2009
S. 407, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009:
This bill would provide a cost-of-living increase for millions of disabled veterans and their families by updating veterans’ disability
compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children, and additional related benefits.

S. 728, the Veterans’ Insurance and Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009:
This comprehensive bill focuses on providing assistance to veterans disabled while serving their country and assisting veterans as
they transition from military to civilian life. Improvements include a new insurance program for disabled veterans, better coverage options
for existing insurance programs, extended benefits for burn injured servicemembers and veterans, and increases to certain
benefits that have not been updated for many years for veterans and their survivors.

April-2009
Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtine introduced H.R. 1980 the `North Korea Sanctions and Diplomatic
Nonrecognition Act of 2009,” in the House of Representatives. The bills purpose; “To continue restrictions against
and prohibit diplomatic recognition of the Government of North Korea, and for other purposes.”

What makes this bill special is that among the many requirements for recognition is the release of “….an estimated
600 surviving South Korean POWs, and any other surviving POWs from the Korean War, who have been held in
North Korea against their will and in violation of the Armistice Agreement since hostilities ended in July, 1953.”

We thank Representative Ros-Lehtine for her inclusion of our POWs in this important legislation.

April 23, 2009
S. 801, the Family Caregiver Program Act of 2009, would establish a permanent program for the caregivers
of disabled veterans, providing them with training and certification, access to VA health care and financial support, and new travel benefits.

S. 734, the Rural Veterans Health Care Access and Quality Act of 2009, would improve health care staffing,
enhance access to quality care, and provide travel benefits, for veterans living in rural and remote areas.

S. 423, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009, would promote timely and predictable
funding for the largest health care system in the country, which has started 19 of the past 22 fiscal years without knowing
its budget for the year. S. 423 is cosponsored by a bipartisan group of more than one-third of the Senate,
and is supported by the President and numerous veterans service organizations.

Parkinson's Bill Reintroduced
April 06, 2009
Vietnam Veterans
Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Bob Filner reintroduced a bill that would grant service
connection for Parkinson's disease for Vietnam veterans. H.R. 1428 would establish a presumption of service-connection
for Parkinson's disease due to exposure to Agent Orange for Vietnam veterans afflicted with this degenerative and
incurable condition. Shortly following their military service in Vietnam, some veterans reported a variety of health
problems and concerns due to exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides and pesticides.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Veterans’ Insurance and Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009
April 2009
Congressional Record Statement of Senator Daniel K. Akaka
Mr. President, I am pleased to introduce the Veterans' Insurance and Benefits Enhancement Act of 2009.
This comprehensive legislation, much of which was considered and passed by the Senate in the last
Congress, would improve benefits and services for veterans both young and old.

Mr. President, this legislation would make several important improvements in insurance programs for disabled veterans.
It would establish a new program of insurance for service-connected disabled veterans that would provide up to a maximum of
$50,000 in level premium term life insurance coverage. This new program would be available to service-connected disabled
veterans who are less than 65 years of age at the time of application. More importantly, unlike VA's Service-Disabled Veterans
Insurance program, the premium rates for this program would be based on an updated mortality table,
meaning that premiums under this program would be fairer to veterans.

This legislation would also expand eligibility for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under
the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance program. This insurance program went into effect on December 1, 2005.
All insured servicemembers under SGLI from that point forward are covered by traumatic injury protection regardless of
where their injuries occur. However, individuals sustaining traumatic injuries between October 7, 2001, and November 30, 2005,
that were not incurred as a direct result of Operations Enduring or Iraqi Freedom are not eligible for a retroactive payment
under the traumatic injury protection program. This legislation would expand eligibility to these individuals.

This bill would also increase the maximum amount of Veterans' Mortgage Life Insurance that a service-connected disabled
veteran may purchase from the current maximum of $90,000 up to $200,000. In the event of the veteran's death, the veteran's
family is protected because VA will pay the balance of the mortgage owed up to the maximum amount of insurance purchased.
The need for this increase is obvious in today's housing market.

In addition, this legislation would increase the amount of supplemental life insurance available to totally disabled veterans
from $20,000 to $30,000. Many totally disabled veterans find it difficult to obtain commercial life insurance. This legislation
would provide these veterans with a reasonable amount of life insurance coverage.

This bill would also increase certain benefits for veterans and their survivors that have not been updated for many years.
The minimum benefit rate for low-income parents of children who have died during military service, or as the result of a
service-connected disability, has remained at only $5.00 per month since 1975. This is unacceptable. Therefore, this bill
would increase the minimum Parent's DIC benefit to $100 per month, and also increase the basic benefit for a parent with
no income to the same level as that provided to low-income spouses of wartime veterans. In addition, this bill would increase the
amount of pension paid to VA pensioners who receive Medicaid benefits from $90.00 per month, which was set in 1989, to $100
per month. In addition, all of these benefits and benefits for surviving spouses with children would be adjusted by
cost-of-living allowances so that these VA benefits would never again become so outdated.

Another provision included in this bill would reaffirm Congress' intent with regard to who should be eligible for a special
monthly pension. Low income, nondisabled wartime veterans 65 and older qualify for a VA service pension benefit. Those who
are totally and permanently disabled are eligible to receive a disability pension with additional monies if they are housebound,
blind, or need help in everyday living activities. In a 2006 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims ruled that
an older veteran no longer had to have a disability rated permanent and total in order to receive housebound benefits.
The legislative history is clear that Congress intended that only those veterans with a permanent and total disability would
qualify for housebound benefits. This provision would require VA to provide this benefit as Congress originally intended.

Mr. President, this is not a comprehensive recitation of all the provisions within this important veterans' legislation.
However, I hope that I have provided an appropriate overview of the benefits this legislation would provide for
America's veterans and servicemembers. I urge our colleagues to support the legislation

March 27, 2009
HR 1377, legislation that expands veteran eligibility for reimbursement by
VA for emergency treatment furnished in non-VA facilities.

HR 1171 was amended and includes provisions from HR 293 and now authorizes $300 million over five
years for homeless veterans' reintegration programs, to include special provisions
for homeless female veterans and homeless veterans with children.

HR 1513 which provides a cost-of-living increase for disability and DIC payments
equal to rates determined by the Social Security index.

All of the bills now move to the House floor for debate and votes.

President Announces New Afghanistan Strategy: "The terrorists who planned and supported the
9/11 attacks are in Pakistan and Afghanistan," said President Obama, who announced a new strategy
today to confront the growing threat in the two countries. In addition to the previously announced troop buildup,
he announced plans for 4,000 more troops into Afghanistan, new legislation that would help the economies in
Pakistan and Afghanistan, more training to bolster Afghan security forces, and an increase in civilian expertise
to help develop Afghanistan's economic, social and governmental institutions.

VA Provides Precautionary Screenings: The VA has notified and is providing free medical screenings
to thousands of veterans across the South who had colonoscopies and other procedures with equipment
that was not properly sterilized. The precaution applies to:
6,400 veterans who received colonoscopies at the Alvin C. York Campus in Murfreesboro, TN, between
April 23, 2003, and Dec. 1, 2008. These veterans should call 1-877-345-8555. More information is available at:
http://www.tennesseevalley.va.gov/news/endoscopyquestions.asp.
3,260 veterans who had colonoscopies at the Miami VA Healthcare System Special Care Clinic between May 2004
and March 12, 2009. These veterans should call 1-877-575-7256. A press release is at:
http://www.miami.va.gov/pressreleases/MVAHSSCCUpdate001.asp.
And to 1,800 veterans who had Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic procedures at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center
in Augusta, GA, from January through November 2008. These veterans should call 1-888-483-9674.
A press release is at: http://www1.va.gov/augustaga/page.cfm?pg=16.

Veterans Data Theft Settlement: A federal judge last month approved government plans to pay a total of $20
million to veterans exposed to possible identity theft from a 2006 incident in which personal data on 26.5 million
veterans was stolen and later recovered. The payments will range from $75 to $1,500 for veterans who incurred
out of pocket expenses for credit monitoring or physical symptoms of emotional distress. In exchange, lawyers for
the veterans agreed to drop their class-action lawsuit alleging invasion of privacy in a case involving the government's
largest data security breach. All claims must be postmarked by Nov. 27, 2009.
To submit a claim or for more information, go to: http://www.veteransclass.com/.

PRESIDENT OBAMA DROPS PROPOSAL TO CHARGE
VETERANS’ INSURERS FOR COMBAT INJURIES!
March 18, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, called Secretary
Eric Shinseki and issued the following statement today praising President Barack Obama for dropping a proposal to shift the
responsibility to pay for care for service-connected injuries from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the private insurers of wounded veterans:

“I thanked Secretary Shinseki for listening to the concerns the veterans service organizations, my colleagues and I had
over this proposal to charge veterans’ insurers for combat injuries. President Obama made the right decision not to move forward.
Veterans’ care and benefits are a cost of war and treatment for conditions directly related to service is the responsibility of the
government alone. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration to enact the President’s funding increases
and targeted programs to help VA adapt to the changing needs of veterans and their families,” said Akaka.

AKAKA INTRODUCES BILL TO IMPROVE
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION FOR DISABLED VETERANS
March 3, 2009
Legislation would result in more flexible, better funded vocational rehab and remove enrollment cap for Independent Living program
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs
Committee, introduced the Veterans Rehabilitation and Training Improvements Act of 2009.
“Veterans disabled in our current wars are transitioning from military service into a challenging economy that is contracting at historic rates.
This bill will give these new veterans more of the help they need by increasing program flexibility and boosting the
living stipend for disabled veterans undergoing rehabilitation. These men and women have paid the cost of war,
and now we must do more to assist them as they transition back into civilian life,” said Akaka.
Chairman Akaka’s veterans’ rehabilitation bill would:
Allow the VA Vocational Rehabilitation program more flexibility in paying for rehabilitation-related
expenses incurred by recovering veterans who successfully complete programs;
Boost the living stipend for veterans undergoing rehabilitation, which will narrow the difference
between the vocational rehab stipend and the 21st Century GI Bill; and
Remove the annual cap on the number of veterans who may enroll in VA’s Independent Living program, which assists
severely-disabled veterans in achieving greater independence in their daily lives.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2009
AKAKA INTRODUCES VETERANS’ EMERGENCY CARE FAIRNESS BILL
Bill would cover gaps in emergency care reimbursement for vets with limited insurance
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee,
introduced the Veterans’ Emergency Fairness Act of 2009. This bill would enable the Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) to reimburse veterans enrolled with VA for the remaining costs of emergency treatment received
outside of VA’s health care system if the veteran has outside insurance that only covers part of the cost.
Under current law, VA can reimburse veterans or pay outside hospitals directly only if a veteran has no outside health insurance.

“Because insurance may not cover all costs, a trip to the ER can leave insured veterans financially crippled.
My bill would enable VA to fill the gap for veterans whose outside insurance does not meet their needs,” said Akaka.

In addition to reimbursing veterans for future costs of emergency care, the bill would allow the Secretary
of Veterans Affairs to provide retroactive reimbursements back to May 2000 when VA was first authorized
generally to cover the cost of outside emergency care for veterans enrolled with VA for their care.

President of the United States
Barrack Obama
Vice President of the United States
Joseph R. Biden
Department of State
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton
http://www.state.gov
Department of the Treasury
Secretary Timothy F. Geithner
http://www.treasury.gov
Department of Defense
Secretary Robert M. Gates
http://www.defenselink.mil
Department of Justice
Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr.
http://www.usdoj.gov
Department of the Interior
Secretary Kenneth L. Salazar
http://www.doi.gov
Department of Agriculture
Secretary Thomas J. Vilsack
http://www.usda.gov
Department of Commerce..?
Secretary-designate: Judd Gregg
http://www.commerce.gov
Department of Labor..?
Secretary-designate: Hilda L. Solis
http://www.dol.gov
Department of Health and Human Services..?
http://www.hhs.gov
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Secretary Shaun L.S. Donovan
http://www.hud.gov
Department of Transportation
Secretary Raymond L. LaHood
http://www.dot.gov
Department of Energy
Secretary Steven Chu
http://www.energy.gov
Department of Education
Secretary Arne Duncan
http://www.ed.gov
Department of Veterans Affairs
Secretary Eric K. Shinseki
http://www.va.gov
Department of Homeland Security
Secretary Janet A. Napolitano
http://www.dhs.gov

110th Congress Legislation -Vets Bills Enacted into Law-2008

111th Congress
SENATE
HOUSE

Senate Vets Committee Members
House Vets Committee Members

Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii).
SENATE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
Aloha! As the Chairman on the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am determined to honor this Nation's Veterans
by ensuring they receive the care and benefits they have earned through selfless service.
I take my leadership role seriously and am constantly looking for new ways to assist veterans.

CONGRESSMAN BOB FILNER
CHAIRMAN
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

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