House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman: There is Still More We Need to Do

For more information, contact: Amy K. Mitchell, (202) 225-3527

AUG 6, 2012 Issues: Health Care, Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, issued the following statement on his bill, The Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (H.R. 1627), being signed into law:

“Today, our government took action and corrected the injustice of ignoring the health and wellbeing of Camp Lejeune Marines and their families. After more than a decade of fighting for healthcare, these families will finally have access to the care they rightly deserve and desperately need through the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012. I want to especially thank Jerry Ensminger for never giving up hope that we would come together and do what is right.

“This new law also represents nearly two years worth of work by Congress to ensure that America’s veterans receive the healthcare, benefits, and services promised to them. I would like to thank all the Members of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees for their bipartisan work to make this law a reality.

“There is still more we need to do, however, on behalf of veterans, their families, and survivors. Too many veterans are stuck in the disability claims backlog, a system long overdue for reform; veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war are waiting too long for treatment through VA; hundreds of thousands of veterans are still standing in unemployment lines; and the specter of sequestration still looms over the heads of our veterans.

“It is my hope that Congress and the President will continue to work across party lines to transform the Department of Veterans Affairs for the 21st Century and ensure world-class care and benefits for America’s veterans.”

To learn more about the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, click here.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Over 50 Pieces of Veterans Legislation sent to President To Be Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Last night, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 (H.R. 1627). The bill, now headed to the President for signature into law, will bring immediate VA healthcare to Camp Lejeune veterans and their families who have been diagnosed with a disease related to the water contamination that occurred at the base between 1957 and 1987. In addition, H.R. 1627 increases VA accountability to veterans by streamlining the disability claims process, ensuring transparency in VA funding, protecting veterans from sexual assault, and transforming how VA does business in the 21st century.

“This legislation is a culmination of more than a year’s worth of work on behalf of America’s veterans, and an example of what lawmakers can accomplish working together in a bipartisan manner,” stated Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “The Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 will make an immediate impact in the lives of veterans, their families, and survivors by providing the care and support they have earned through their service to our nation.”

“I am pleased that the House of Representatives came together in a bipartisan manner to support H.R. 1627, which included legislation I authored to help streamline the claims process for our veterans,” stated Rep. Jon Runyan, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. “Our veterans have sacrificed so much and it is an outrage that many have to wait months for benefits claims to be processed. The backlog at VA must be addressed and fixed, and I believe the passage of this bill is an important first step. I look forward to continuing my work to ensure the backlog is eliminated.”

“Every year, VA spends millions of dollars on conferences and, while there is a need for such meetings, Congress must be able to provide proper oversight of this spending. I’m proud that this legislation will require VA to report on conferences costing $20,000 or more,” stated Rep. Marlin Stutzman, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity. “Transparency and accountability are essential as VA conducts its mission to serve our veterans.”  

“Caring for our nation’s veterans and their families is one of our most crucial duties as legislators. I am especially pleased that the Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention and Health Care Enhancement Act is part of this legislation and will be sent to the President for consideration,” stated Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle, Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Health. “Negligence related to sexual assault within the VA cannot be tolerated. This legislation will correct a fundamental weakness in VA’s system by setting in place the procedures and accountability measures necessary to ensure the protection of veterans and staff.”

“America’s veterans deserve the very best of the benefits and care they have earned, and VA consistently falls short when it comes to addressing the needs of our heroes. More than half of disability claims have been pending for more than 125 days and the backlog has surged to more than 900,000 claims,” stated Rep. Bill Johnson, Chairman of Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations. “This is completely unacceptable. The Modernizing Notice to Claimants Act, included in H.R. 1627, which I introduced, will modernize how VA communicates with claimants while holding VA’s feet to the fire in making sure America’s veterans are being properly served by VA.”

To learn more about the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012, click: http://veterans.house.gov/hr1627

In Case You Missed It! The House and Senate Reach Agreement on Comprehensive Veterans Legislation

Agreement Reached on Comprehensive Legislation for Veterans

For more information, contact: Amy K. Mitchell, (202) 225-3527

JUN 21, 2012 Issues: Veterans

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, issued the following statement on an amendment to H.R. 1627, which reflects an agreement reached in conference by the Republican and Democratic leadership of the Veterans’ Affairs Committees in the House and Senate:

“This comprehensive legislation represents more than a year’s worth of work by the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees on behalf of America’s veterans. The Committees have worked in unison for months to come to agreement on a package that will improve benefits and services to veterans and their families.

“This bill includes nearly 50 provisions, which combines House-passed legislation and Senate Committee-reported bills. Today, we move forward to improve healthcare, housing, education, homelessness, memorial affairs, and compensation for veterans and certain dependents. This legislation also protects veterans from predatory behaviors and requires increased accountability and transparency within VA.

“We have achieved this legislative accomplishment in a fiscally responsible manner and the bill will not cost the taxpayer an extra dime. We have received a great deal of input from Veterans Service Organizations and advocates from across the country to address the most pressing concerns our veterans face today. Their participation has been key to moving this legislation forward.

“I would like to thank my colleagues, Chairman Murray and Ranking Member Burr in the Senate, and Ranking Member Filner in the House, for their continued support and dedication to ensure the benefits earned by veterans are preserved and remain one of our nation’s top priorities.”

Source: http://veterans.house.gov/Agreement%20Reached%20on%20Comprehensive%20Legislation%20for%20Veterans