Bright Highlights Important Veterans Legislation In Commemoration Of Veterans Day

Press Release

Congressman Bright highlighted several bills he has supported or co-sponsored in commemoration of the Veterans Day holiday. Additionally, Congressman Bright is in the Second District to participate in Veterans Day events around the district.

"Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to remember and reflect on the sacrifices our brave men and women have made for our freedoms," Bright said. "Honoring those who have served our country is one of my top priorities as a Congressman. As long as I serve in our nation's capitol, I will support and advocate for strong and sensible legislation for our veterans. I am proud of the progress we have made on behalf of our veterans this year, but we can always do more to appropriately honor those who have served us."

Some of the bills Congressman Bright has supported or co-sponsored are:

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, which contains a historic 12% increase in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill appropriates $109 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs for medical care, additional claims processors, and facility improvements. H.R. 3082 passed the House by a strong, bi-partisan 415-3 margin.

The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act. Now signed into law, this legislation will help ensure that veterans never see their benefits reduced or delayed by allowing Congress to make appropriations for the VA one year in advance. The American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars called the bill a "historic legislative victory." (H.R. 1016)

Congressman Bright co-sponsored the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act and the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act. These bills, if passed, will eliminate restrictions on concurrent receipt and ensure that surviving military spouses and disabled veterans receive their full benefits. Concurrent receipt is one of the highest priorities for the Military Officers Association of America. (H.R. 775 and H.R. 333)

The Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act will extend the first-time homebuyers' tax credit for those serving our country abroad. Passed before the recent extension of the tax credit, this bill will extend the credit through December 1, 2010 to qualifying service members stationed overseas, ensuring they will be able to take advantage of this benefit. It will also exempt from taxes payments made under the Defense Housing Assistance Program for personnel selling a home that has declined in value. Additionally, H.R. 3590 will prevent service members from being forced to repay their tax credit if they are forced to sell their home as a result of deployment or transfer.

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