Congresswoman Norma J. Torres introduces two bills in honor of Veterans Day

Statement

In observance of Veterans Day, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) has introduced the Veterans Administration Backlog Accountability Act and reintroduced the GI Bill Distance Learning Improvement Act. These bills will help ensure our nation's heroes can take full advantage of benefits they earned during their service and sacrifice to our nation.

"Veterans give so much to our country in selfless service and it is our responsibility to continue caring for them after that service has been completed," said Rep. Torres. "In honor of Veterans Day, I'm proud to introduce two pieces of legislation that will improve veterans' access to their hard-earned benefits."

"The Veterans Administration Backlog Accountability Act will require the Department of Veterans Affairs to address its overwhelming backlog of disability compensation claims, ensuring veterans can more promptly receive their disability pay," continued Rep. Torres. "And the GI Bill Distance Learning Improvement Act expands access to education opportunities for GI Bill recipients by providing funding for students to purchase the technology necessary to participate in online education programs. Many veterans who want to pursue higher education don't have the ability to attend in-person school or the means to access online learning. This bill will help remove those roadblocks and allow veterans to advance their education."

"Our nation is safer and stronger when we care for our veterans who have dedicated their lives to protecting us," concluded Rep. Torres. "This Veterans Day, I'm thinking of all the members of our Armed Forces who have been left behind or have had to undergo arduous effort just to receive the most basic support. I will continue to advocate in Congress for the best care for all our servicemembers."

The Veterans Administration Backlog Accountability Act requires the Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit a report to Congress on the backlog of disability compensation claims, including the status of the backlog, how the Secretary is addressing the backlog, how the backlog is affecting the amount of time a claimant is waiting for the Secretary to adjudicate the claim, and recommendations to reduce the backlog.

The GI Bill Distance Learning Improvement Act directs the VA Secretary to make a one-time payment to an individual pursuing a program of education through distance learning on more than a half-time basis in an amount of $500 to be used for the purchase of a computer for use in pursuing such program of education. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) endorsed this legislation, which will help thousands of veterans achieve their dreams of higher education.

Congresswoman Torres will also join Inland Empire residents in observing Veterans Day at events in Fontana, Chino, and Pomona.

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