Cardoza-Putnam Bill Would Provide Benefit Information to Veterans

Press Release

Departing military service members would receive additional information about the benefits to which they are entitled under legislation introduced today by U.S. Reps. Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.) and Adam Putnam (R-Fla.).

The Veterans' Information Act (H.R. 5719) directs the Secretary of Defense to distribute to members of the Armed Forces upon their discharge or release from active duty, information in a digital format that lists and explains the health, education, and other benefits for which veterans are eligible under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

"Our offices regularly receive complaints from former military service members who simply haven't received essential information about the benefits they earned in service to our nation," said Putnam. "This legislation is a common sense solution that will make up-to-date information available in an easy to access electronic format for these American heroes."

Putnam has led several legislative efforts to improve access to benefits for military veterans. Earlier this year, legislation Putnam authored with U.S. Rep. Ron Klein (D-Fla.) to make it easier for military veterans to continue higher education passed a key subcommittee in the House. The Putnam-Klein measure would allow veterans to be reimbursed for the cost of classes to help prepare them for higher education admission tests.

Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida's 12th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties.

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