Heinrich Introduces Veterans Communication Improvement Act

Press Release

Provides for Improved E-Communication with Veterans Affairs and Access to Benefits

Today, U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-01) introduced the Veterans Communication Improvement Act (VCIA). This bill would modernize the separation document that is used by service members when they conclude their active duty to keep them connected with the Department of Veterans Affairs, including State VA offices, so they are better able to request and secure veteran benefits.

The form, commonly referred to as the DD214, contains the information needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment, and membership in veterans' organizations, which make this one of the most important documents in the military. The DD214 contains the physical address and phone number for the veteran, but there is currently no place on the form for a veteran to include his or her email address as the best way to stay connected. The VCIA would make possible that an additional avenue of communication, an email address, be included on the DD214 form.

Rep. Heinrich spoke on the House floor today in support of his bill. He highlighted the ways in which the measure would provide for a smoother transition for service members moving to veteran status, and help facilitate communication between all veterans and veterans' services by utilizing modern email technology.

The idea for this legislation came following a number of meetings that Rep. Heinrich held with veterans in the First Congressional District and with leaders in the veterans' community.

"A lot of veterans contributed to this legislation, and I thank all of them for their input, advice and help; particularly the New Mexico Secretary of Veterans Services, John Garcia, who was instrumental in this process," said Rep. Heinrich.

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