Congress Working To Fulfill Commitment To Nation's Veterans

Press Release

Congress Working To Fulfill Commitment To Nation's Veterans

Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada's Third District highlighted a number of steps Congress has taken recently to fulfill their commitment to care for our nation's veterans. On August 1, benefits from the G.I. Bill for the 21st Century took effect to help veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan receive the education they need to compete in today's global economy. In addition, the House of Representatives passed legislation last week to provide support to families and non-family members who care for wounded or ill veterans and to fund grants for disabled veterans to make improvements and structural alterations to their homes.

"As members of Congress we make a solemn commitment to care for our nation's brave men and women when they return home from their service to our country," Congresswoman Titus said. "The 111th Congress has taken important steps to honor their sacrifice and ensure that our veterans have the resources they have earned. Nevada's veterans have struggled during this recession, and our efforts are critical to restoring their economic security and providing for the benefits they deserve."

On August 1, veterans began receiving college education benefits under the new G.I. Bill for the 21st Century, which was passed last year. An estimated 2.1 million members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including activated reservists and members of the National Guard, will be eligible for up to four years of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books. This year, Congress extended those college benefits to all children of service members who have died on active duty since September 11, 2001.

H.R. 3155, the Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act, provides support services to caregivers of veterans, including counseling, mental health services, respite care, and health care and a stipend for caregivers of severely wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. H.R. 1293, passed by the House last week, increases grants from $4,100 to $6,800 for veterans with service-connected disabilities and from $1,200 to $2,000 for veterans with non-service connected disabilities to make home improvements that increase accessibility.

These recent efforts come on top of the $250 economic recovery payment that went to disabled veterans earlier in the year as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and legislation to authorize Congress to approve funding for VA medical care one year in advance.

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