Heinrich Statement On VA Emergency GI Checks For Veterans

Statement

Representative Martin Heinrich (D-NM) issued the following statement today on the announcement by Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has authorized checks for up to $3,000 to be given to students who have applied for educational benefits and who have not yet received their government payment. The checks will be distributed later this week to eligible students at VA regional benefits offices across the country.

"The new GI bill gives a generation of men and women who have risked their lives for this country the chance to go to college and have a better chance of pursuing the American dream. Any delay in benefits does not reflect the gratitude Americans share for our nation's heroes. While the backlog of claims and delay of payments are unacceptable, I am pleased to know that the VA has taken decisive action and will make emergency payments so that our veterans can stay in school. I will continue working to make sure our service members receive the full GI Bill benefits they deserve. My office is here to assist veterans in our district so they can take full advantage of this program."

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