Veterans Benefits And Economic Welfare Improvement Act Of 2010

Floor Speech

Veterans Benefits And Economic Welfare Improvement Act Of 2010

* Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 6132, which improves the social services currently offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA, by reaching out to and providing benefits for many veterans not currently enrolled accounted for under our current federally-funded programs.

* I want to thank Chairman FILNER for his leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor. I also thank the Congressman for sponsoring this legislation and for his dedication to ensuring that this nation does everything it can to repay our veterans for the sacrifices they have made to protect us.

* Mr. Speaker, as the representative of a district that is home to over 23,000 veterans and the VA Medical Center of Long Beach, I know how important it is to ensure that our veterans have the resources to access affordable health care, housing, and financial security.

* H.R. 6132 establishes a transition program for new veterans not eligible for other employment aid programs. With 40 percent of young veterans from who Iraq and Afghanistan more likely to be unemployed than anyone in their age group, it is vital that we continue to demonstrate our support for them through bills such as this.

* The bill's provisions are aimed at directly improving the disability claim system by extending the 120-day limit for filing an appeal to the Court of Veterans Appeals after a final decision of the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The bill would also increase the pension amount for Medal of Honor recipients, establish an award program that will allow the VA to recognize businesses for their contributions to veteran employment, and protect veterans from losing their non-service connected pension benefits.

* Mr. Speaker, the bold actions taken by Congress and the Administration thus far have been critical in assisting our courageous Veterans. Not only have they provided the vital services that our veterans have earned, but they also equip our former soldiers with the resources they need to lift them out of unemployment and live stable, healthy lives.

* Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 6132.

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