CONGRESSMAN BISHOP HONORS VETERANS BY SUPPORTING VETERANS SERVICE BILLS

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (GA-02), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, supported six measures to honor veterans and ensure access to resources needed for a successful transition into civilian life. H.R. 2189 passed 404 to 1. H.R. 2011, the Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act, passed 404 to 2. H.R. 1405; H.R. 1742, the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013; H.R. 2481, the Veterans Economic Opportunity Act of 2013; and H.R. 3304 all passed by voice vote. Congressman Bishop voted in favor of passage for all six bills.

“The VA disability claims backlog and issues surrounding homelessness have plagued our veterans for too long,” said Congressman Bishop. “In addition to formally honoring these brave men and women, it is my hope that these six pieces of legislation will tear down obstacles veterans face every day, and help secure these matters as priorities in the future.”

H.R. 2189: Establishes a commission or task force to evaluate how to reduce the backlog of disability claims of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

H.R. 1405: Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include an appeals form in any notice of decision for denial of benefit sought.

H.R. 1742, the Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013: Prohibits service-related disability benefits and expenses to be considered when calculating income eligibility for Section 8 rental assistance and public housing programs.

H.R. 2481, the Veterans Economic Opportunity Act of 2013: Extends certain homeless veterans reintegration programs until 2018, expands education benefits for survivors of deceased service members, and creates an office within the Veterans Affairs Department to administer assistance with vocational and education programs.

H.R. 2011, the Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act: Extends the operating authority of the Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education through 2015, and authorizes the Veterans Affairs Department to advise training and rehabilitation for veterans with service-related disabilities.

H.R. 3304: Requests the President award Bennie G. Adkins and Donald P. Sloat of the United States Army with the Medal of Honor for their acts during the Vietnam Conflict, and authorizes the award of the Medal of Honor to other veterans previously recommended.

In efforts to further support and provide resources to members of the military and their families, Congressman Bishop will be hosting a Military Family Summit at Fort Benning, GA on November 6. For more information, please click here.