Hodes Introduces Bill to Protect Veterans

Press Release

Hodes Introduces Bill to Protect Veterans

Congressman Paul Hodes introduced a bill last night that would create an Office of the Ombudsman within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The office would function as an independent advocate for our veterans, protecting their interests and coordinating their benefits as they move through the federal bureaucracy.

"With more veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and the mismanagement we witnessed at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital, we need an independent office that advocates specifically for veterans and their families," Hodes said. "Veterans from my district have told me compelling stories of the great difficulties they have faced in understanding and receiving all the benefits and services to which they are entitled. This bill will make it a little easier for them."

The Office of the Ombudsman would deliver direct and timely assistance to those seeking help with their benefits. The legislation requires that all veterans be given contact information for the Office and notified of the services it provides.

"Everyone agrees that the process is unnecessarily complex," Hodes said. "After fighting our wars abroad, the last thing we should do is force our veterans to fight bureaucracy here at home."

"The Walter Reed scandal highlighted the plight of our returning soldiers and veterans. I know that we can do better for them. It is a matter of moral conscience that we give our veterans the best care available, and this bill will make it easy to obtain. Passing this bill will tell Americans that the government is looking out for our veterans, and that they have somewhere to turn."

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