Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2008

Floor Speech

VETERANS BENEFITS AWARENESS ACT OF 2008 -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 23, 2008)

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3681, the Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2008, which passed the House of Representatives this week.

Fifty veterans move to Florida every day, and I am honored to represent thousands who served our country honorably in our Nation's military. The efforts of military veterans have provided Americans with security and peace of mind, and I remain eternally grateful for their sacrifices.

I believe that America owes its military heroes a debt of gratitude, and that their priorities must be the Nation's top priorities. I am committed to making sure that members of the military and veterans receive the benefits that they deserve when they return home.

Several times per year, I am proud to convene my Congressional Veterans Advisory Groups in Broward and Palm Beach Counties to listen and learn about the needs of South Florida veterans. One of the most pressing issues that has repeatedly come up is the veterans' need to know more about their benefits. One solution to this problem is an awareness campaign to educate returning servicemembers about available benefits. The Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2008 does just that by allowing the Secretary of the VA to advertise and promote awareness of veterans' benefits.

I am proud to support H.R. 3681, the Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2008, because I believe that nothing should stand in the way between a veteran and the benefits that he or she deserves. This legislation will go a long way to help returning servicemembers and veterans in my district and throughout the country.

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