Supporting our Veterans: Results not Rhetoric
Supporting our Veterans: Results not Rhetoric
By Congressman Henry Bonilla
This past week, I returned to the Audie L. Murphy Veterans Hospital in San Antonio to meet with Tim Shea, the new Director of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS). I was eager to discuss ideas for improving veterans' healthcare in the future and the importance of communication between the STVHCS and federal officials.
Growing up in Texas, where patriotism is as ingrained into a young person's identity as the Alamo, I realize that the strength of our nation is built on the shoulders of our veterans. I value the input and experience of those who have served in our country's Armed Forces, which is why I formed a Veterans Advisory Board. With the help and input of these honorable veterans in my district, I have identified and championed many important veterans' issues and consistently voted to adequately fund the Department of Veterans Affairs.
During the 109th Congress, I have voted to increase veterans' spending by $12 billion. That is an increase in the total VA budget of 18% at a time when non-defense discretionary spending was actually reduced. I also voted to increase Veterans' medical care funding from $28.8 billion to $32.3 billion.
I supported the passage of the Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act, which will prohibit anti-war demonstrations at military funerals held at national cemeteries. I was so proud when this bill was signed by the President last Memorial Day.
While serving in Congress I have supported increasing many additional veterans' benefits. For example, GI bill benefits have been boosted by 59% since 2001. VA home loan guarantees have doubled since 2001 and SGLI (Servicemen's Group Life Insurance) has increased to $400,000.
While these are significant achievements, I believe that there is still much more to be done. I am the cosponsor of the following bills and will continue to work to see that they are passed.
* Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2005 (H.R. 303) - I co-sponsored this legislation, which would eliminate the phase in period for concurrent receipt of both military retired pay and Veterans' disability compensation. It also expands the definition of those who are eligible - from those with greater than 50% disability to anyone with a disability.
* Keep Our Promise to America's Military Retirees Act (H.R. 602) - I also cosponsored this bill allowing persons eligible for pharmacy benefits to use a pharmacy that is not a TRICARE Department of Defense managed health care plan network pharmacy. The legislation would also waive the monthly part B premium (Supplementary Medical Insurance Benefits for the Aged and Disabled) for those whose service began before 1956.
* Paid-Up Coverage for Survivor Benefits Plan (H.R. 968) - I also cosponsored this legislation that would modify the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to allow participants to be fully vested after 30 years or by the age of 70.
Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act (H.R. 808) -Currently widows of military retirees who qualify for the SBP and for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) cannot receive both payments. Their SBP is reduced by the amount that they receive in DIC. This constitutes a loss of $11,916 a year for widows who qualify for both programs. I cosponsored this legislation which would allow for concurrent receipt of both these benefits.
* I also wrote and proposed H.R. 2392, legislation which would protect the Kerrville VA Clinic from losing its acute care beds as part of the CARES initiative. The bill would maintain the 25 acute care beds that currently exist.
I will continue to work with my colleagues to achieve results. Our veterans deserve no less. I hope that you find this information useful and will continue to keep in touch with me on issues affecting our nation's veterans. It is your input that helps me better serve the needs and concerns of our community.
I would like to personally thank our nation's veterans for their service to our country. Their commitment to protecting our freedoms has made Americans the greatest nation in the world.
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