Rangel Gets "A" Grade For Votes On Veterans & Military Issues

Press Release

Congressman Charles B. Rangel, a decorated veteran of the Korean War, earned an "A" grade for his voting record on veterans' issues, according to the annual report card released by the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) on October 20, 2010.

"I appreciate the IAVA for recognizing my staunch support for our nation's brave men and women in uniform," Rep. Rangel commented after the report card was release. "Our country has a moral obligation to do more for all of our veterans and their families. At every turn, I will continue to advocate for the soldiers currently serving or returning from Iraq and Afghanistan."

The IAVA, the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the troops and veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, grades every Senator and Representative on his or her voting record and leadership on the key issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, such as preventing budget cuts to Veterans Affairs, providing new assistance for military caregivers, providing bonus pay for troops who served in stop loss situations and supporting new job and educational opportunities for American's veterans.

Rep. Rangel received 16 out of a possible 18 points, in a year which showed decline of congressional leaders who received high grades on veterans' issues. Each Member received one point if they voted in favor of the bill and one point for co-sponsoring a bill.

"I am proud to have voted into law several pieces of legislation over the last two years that will benefit our nation's veterans and honor their service. Congress has enacted legislation that will make a real difference in the lives of those who have so valiantly served our nation." said Rep. Rangel.

Accomplishments for the Veterans in the 111th Congress

Most recently, the President signed into law October 13th the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010 that would enhance veterans employment and work training opportunities, address veterans housing issues, upgrade disability, insurance and survivor programs, and also require a comprehensive study of best treatment practices for chronic multi-symptom illness in Gulf War I veterans.

In addition to the Veterans' Benefits Act, over the last two years Congressman Rangel voted into law several top legislative priorities of veterans service organizations. Among the laws enacted include: a comprehensive bill offering the caregivers of veterans training, compensation, respite care, and access to mental health counseling; and a law to finally compensate Vietnam veterans suffering the ill effects of exposure to the herbicide Agent Orange.

These and other veterans bills passed this Congress have expanded the resources available to veterans, and started to better address vital issues in the veterans community including mental health and housing.

"While a lot has been done, there is no doubt there is more work to do," said the Congressman." "I remain committed to fulfilling our country's promises to our nation's veterans who have dedicated their youths and put so much at risk to defend the freedom we continue to enjoy today."

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