Military Construction And Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2010

Floor Speech

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Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Chairwoman, I would like to thank the chairman of the subcommittee and the ranking member for the great work they do for veterans and our military construction around the world.

I appreciate the opportunity today to rise to offer an amendment to the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations bill that would increase funding for a program that provides free legal services to our veterans under the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Account.

I am sure all of us as Members of Congress have talked to a veteran that has not received the benefits that they feel they are fairly entitled to. And if that happens, they can appeal the decision in the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. However, as many veterans are on fixed incomes, they cannot afford the costly legal services associated with appealing a Department of Veterans Affairs decision.

The present law entitles certain veterans who wish to appeal to free legal services so that they can receive a fair hearing that they are entitled to without the burden of huge legal fees.

Veterans from throughout my district have expressed their concern that many veterans are struggling with the appeals process, and with so many of our warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, we must take measures to ensure that all of our veterans' needs are provided for.

My amendment would increase the veterans' legal services account by $1 million, providing for more services for our brave veterans.

I urge all of my colleagues to support this very important amendment. I appreciate the opportunity to offer it.

I reserve my time.

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