Issue Position: Veterans

Issue Position

Congressman Klein's Public Statements on Veterans Issues

"Since being elected to Congress, I have made it a top priority to stand with our nation's service members, veterans and their families. Recently, I learned of a new way that we can serve those that have served us. Right here in South Florida, and in other places around the country, private organizations are training animals to work with disabled soldiers and veterans. These service animals can be guide dogs, physical therapy partners, and new best friends for our veterans, and that is why I introduced to Wounded Warrior K-9 Corps Act to stand behind these organizations and the veterans they serve." [Rep. Klein 7-07-2009]

"The men and women who have answered the call to serve this nation since September 11 deserve nothing less than the full range of benefits they have earned, and that includes a high-quality, four year college education. The GI Bill for the 21st Century will make our veterans an integral part of our economic recovery by providing a new generation with the education they need to succeed." [Rep. Klein 5-01-2009]

MOVING FLORIDA FORWARD: FIGHTING FOR OUR NATION'S VETERANS

Rep. Klein Helped Pass the Most Generous Veterans' Budget in at Least 30 Years. The House passed FY 10 Budget Resolution that will increase by 11.5% our commitment to veterans' health care and other programs. The budget includes funding to allow new enrollment of veterans earning a modest income, known as Priority Group 8 veterans. The budget was supported by many veterans' groups, including: the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Disabled Americans Veterans, the American Legion. Funding for Priority 8 veterans was among the top goals listed by Congressman Klein's local veterans' advisory groups.

Rep. Klein Voted to Strengthen Department of Veterans Affairs Funding. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs will be provided a $1.4 billion increase for maintenance at VA medical facilities, construction of veterans' extended care facilities and veteran cemetery repairs. The bill also provides economic stimulus payments of $250 to disabled veterans receiving VA compensation or pension.

Rep. Klein Authored and Voted to Provide Service Dogs to Wounded Veterans. The Wounded Warrior K9 Corps Act was signed into law by President Obama as part of the Defense Appropriations Bill of 2010. This bill will establish a grant program for organizations that provide wounded warriors and disabled veterans with service animals, such as physical therapy and guide dogs. This legislation helps keep America's promise to disabled soldiers and improves veterans' quality of life after their service.

Rep. Klein Voted to Provide a Cost-of-Living Adjustment for Veterans. The Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009 guarantees that those who have sacrificed so much for this country receive benefits and services that keep pace with inflation and their needs. This is one of the most important bills Congress passes each year.

Rep. Klein Co-Authored Legislation to Create a Volunteer Program that Serves Needs of Veterans and Members of the Armed Forces. Rep. Klein helped the House pass The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which encourages a renewed spirit of national service and community volunteerism by establishing a Veterans Corp program designed to help veterans meet the needs of their fellow service members. Rep. Klein authored the veterans provision to create a volunteer program that serves the needs of veterans and members of the Armed Forces, and creates opportunities for veterans to continue serving their country through education, mentoring, and job training for fellow veterans.

Rep. Klein Helped Pass Common-Sense Legislation that Clarifies the Reimbursement Responsibilities of the VA for Emergency Care. The Emergency Care Eligibility Expansion allows veterans to focus on their recovery, instead of being overburdened with financial concerns. Currently, veterans are not reimbursed for medical costs when they receive emergency care from non-VA medical facilities if they have insurance that pays either full or a portion of the emergency care. In effect, veterans with third-party insurance are penalized and required to pay the remaining amount not covered by insurance.

Rep. Klein Helped Pass Legislation to Prevent Veteran Homelessness. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 is an important step to ensuring that the VA is prepared to provide comprehensive services to prevent veteran homelessness. This bill reauthorizes the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program for fiscal years 2010 through 2014 and includes an additional $10 million to provide dedicated services for homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children. Grants are available to provide job training, counseling, placement services, and child care services to expedite the reintegration of veterans into the labor force.

Rep. Klein Voted to Improve Women Veterans Health Care. Rep. Klein helped pass the Womens Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, which expand and strengthens health care services available to women veterans, especially those serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. This bill expands and improves VA services for the 1.8 million women veterans. The number of female veterans enrolled for medical care with the Veterans Affairs department is expected to increase by 30 percent in the next five years. Women veterans coming into the VA system are younger, have distinct health needs and access VA health care at a higher rate. Further, women are serving in combat conditions right alongside their male counterparts, which raises a whole new set of issues for these veterans that must be addressed.

VA Oversight: Solutions for Veterans & Accountability for Americans

Congress conducts rigorous oversight of various VA operations to improve services for veterans, as well as provide accountability for the American taxpayer.

Congressman Klein called for an immediate investigation into reports that service members treated at a Veterans Administration hospital in Miami were exposed to deadly diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. This investigation is ongoing.

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