Why I voted Yes on H.R. 4676

Statement

I voted "Yes" on H.R. 4676, the Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2016.

This bill would make it a federal crime to defraud a Veteran, punishable by a fine or up to 5 years in prison. Under existing law, only qualified professionals who have complied with all relevant guidance from the Department of Veterans Affairs may charge a fee to represent a Veteran during an appeals case. Unfortunately, some criminals misrepresent their credentials and charge significant fees under the auspices of helping veterans to settle claims, upon which they never deliver, and the law does not adequately hold these perpetrators accountable.

I voted for H.R. 4676 because anyone who misrepresents their credentials to defraud a Veteran deserves to be punished for that crime.

This bill was approved by a vote of 411-0.

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