Congress Acts To Ensure Recent War Veterans Their Due
Washington, D.C.
Returning service members in the new generation of Veterans from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are to be afforded improved benefits, as a result of recent moves by both houses of congress. The new House Veterans’ Affairs Bill (HR 2874) will work to help improve and provide support for our veterans as they begin the process of readjustment to lives as Civilians.
This bill is currently under review with the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and is not yet active law.
This new House Act, also known as the Health Care Improvement Act for Veterans allows and provides for about two million dollars a year between the year 2008 and the year 2011 for non profit organizations. These non-profit groups are ones that assist and give support to returning veterans in a variety of areas.
Areas involved and served include Transition services, Employment and Medical benefits, Housing and various other benefits. These non-profit groups are ones that are specifically created to provide theraputic and support reajustment for veterans of conflicts.
Beginning with the Persian Gulf War, veterans returning from overseas have faced the same obsticles that their brethren from earlier wars faced, but at a much faster pace of live and technology.
Other portions of this Congressional Bill would grant dental care access and access to medical care for the veterans who have returned home and find themselves homeless. This Bill will also provide for veterans needing fianancial assistance if they earn less than fifty percent of the median income in their geographical area, and transportation money for vets who reside in distant remote areas.
In addition there are four other bills under House consideration.
House Bill HR 1240 would establish a scholarship route for Veterans who wish to pursue careers in rehab programs for the blind. This bill would require three years of service to the VA upon graduation.
House Bill 1315 would serve veterans who are living with a family member in their house. It would help provide funds for obtaining and securing new housing for the Veteran Service Member.
Service Members who have been discharged needing additional help with staving off mortgage foreclosure on their property would be assisted by House Bill 1750. This would provide legal and financial protection to assist the Veteran to save their property. Last of all, House Bill HR 1632 would allow various government agencies to study in depth annually progress being made in Veterans Benefit Issues and related subjects.
All Four of these House Bills are currently under House Veterans Committee consideration.