Issue Position: Veterans

Issue Position

If you are a veteran and need assistance with an issue involving the federal government, please visit the casework section of the website by clicking here.

Fighting for NY Veterans

Rep. Israel has long advocated on behalf of New York's veterans. As of July 2012, Rep. Israel has secured $7 million in back-pay for veterans from New York's Third Congressional District.

While a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep .Israel advocated for increases in veterans health care. For fiscal year 2010, Rep. Israel worked to secure $45.1 billion for veterans health care, an increase of $4.1 billion over last year and the largest increase in 75 years. Rep. Israel also worked to pass the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which you can learn more about by clicking here.

Helping Homeless Veterans

In January 2011, Rep. Israel reintroduced his legislation to help homeless veterans, the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund (H.R. 1136). Rep. Israel's bill will give taxpayers the opportunity to designate a portion of their income tax payment to help homeless veterans.

On any given night, an estimated 131,000 veterans are homeless. For fiscal year 2010, Rep. Israel worked to secure full funding for Veterans Administration homelessness programs. Total federal spending on homeless veterans for FY2010 totaled its highest level ever - $3.2 billion. That includes $150 million for a homeless veterans shelters grants program and $50 million for a new program to convert unused VA facilities into housing for homeless veterans.

For more information on homeless veterans, click here.

Honoring Cold War Veterans

On Sunday, March 21, 2010, the House of Representatives passed Rep. Israel's resolution honoring Cold War Veterans (H.Res.900). The resolution supports the goals and ideals of a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War.

Source