Veterans' Benefits Training Improvement Act of 2011

Floor Speech

* Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2349, the Veterans' Benefits Training Improvement Act. I particularly appreciate that the language from my bill, H.R. 1826, was incorporated into H.R. 2349 in Committee. The language that I introduced would simply reinstate the criminal penalties that were previously in place on any individual charging veterans illegal fees for claims before the VA.

* Though it is already a violation of the law to charge a veteran in conjunction with filing a benefits claim before the VA, no federal punishment exists, leaving the door open for fly-by-night companies and con artists to take advantage of veterans, unlawfully charging them hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

* The language from my bill would make this offense punishable by up to one year in prison and/or fines. Crooked practices must be stopped, and this enforcement mechanism is a critical first step.

* Taking advantage of our most vulnerable veterans is a shameful act. I have seen local news reports, and I hear frequently from veterans' liaisons in my district that this problem is rampant, so much so that one of the counties in my district, Hillsborough County, is moving forward to implement a county ordinance that borrows the concept of implementing such an enforcement mechanism from my legislation.

* All veterans, regardless of where they reside, should not be forced to bear the financial burdens of an unenforceable law. They so diligently protected us during our nation's time of need, and now is our opportunity to protect them in their time of need. I am both honored and humbled to serve on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee.

* I would like to thank Chairman MILLER for his strong leadership on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and all of my colleagues on the Committee for their cooperation in pushing this language.

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