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DEMOCRATIC PRESS RELEASE

July 30, 2007

House of Representatives Passes Legislation to Address the Immediate Needs of Returning Veterans and Expand Benefits for WWII Merchant Mariners

Washington, D.C. – Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs announced that a package of bills to expand veterans’ health care and benefits won approval in the House of Representatives today. Chairman Bob Filner led House Floor debate to advance legislation that will improve health care access for veterans living in rural areas, address the readjustment needs of returning service members and provide Merchant Mariners their due compensation for their service in World War II, among other things.

1. H.R. 2623 – Hospice Care
This bill would prohibit the collection of copayments for all hospice care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

2. H.R. 2874 – The Veterans Health Care Improvement Act of 2007
This bill addresses the needs of low income veterans and their families by providing financial assistance for those residing in permanent housing and support services as they transition from homeless to housing. H.R. 2874 addresses the needs of veterans currently readjusting from combat duties by allowing veterans to access successful readjustment programs offered in their communities. The bill addresses the needs of veterans living in rural areas by providing program grants for transportation to department medical facilities and by providing necessary training for peer outreach services for returning service members.

3. H.R. 1315 – The Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2007
This bill provides specially adaptive housing assistance to disabled members of the Armed Forces residing temporarily in housing owned by a family member. The bill also establishes a scholarship program for students seeking a degree or certificate in blind rehabilitation.

4. H.R. 23 – The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007
This bill establishes a Merchant Mariner Equity Fund in the general fund of the Treasury and directs the Secretary of the VA to make monthly payments in the amount of $1,000 to qualifying members of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II.

“Members of the House came together to send a clear message to America’s servicemen and women that the House of Representatives recognizes the sacrifices of our veterans,” stated Chairman Filner. “Although this body may be divided on where we stand on the war, we are united in seeing that every soldier, sailor, airman and marine is welcomed back with all the compassion that this grateful nation can bestow.”

“I am pleased with the House passage of H.R. 23, The Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007,” concluded Chairman Filner. “The heroic and brave service of these veterans has gone unheralded by this country for too long. We owe these heroes a thank you and today, we are one step closer to righting this wrong – ONCE AND FOR ALL. These veterans kept their promises to serve our country and it is not too late to keep our promises to those that have fought for our country.”

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Larry Scott  --