Issue Position: Veterans

Issue Position

* Fighting to bring a full service VA to Manchester.
Paul Hodes is committed to bringing a full service Veterans Hospital to New Hampshire. While this effort is ongoing, Paul has fought to ensure common sense solutions to provide high quality care. He supports the expansion of a community partnership between the VA and Concord Hospital as a step that will improve patient care for New Hampshire veterans, and will work to bring similar improvements statewide. The agreement ensures that the VA will have staff located in the hospital to help coordinate and administer veterans' services. Paul will continue his efforts to increase funding for travel expenses and the mileage reimbursement rate for veterans' health-care related travel.

* Establishing an Veterans' Advocate.
After hearing the story of New Hampshire Veteran Chris Howe, Paul sprang into action. After serving his country honorably in Iraq, Chris Howe found himself trapped by the bureaucracy at Walter Reed, hoping to go home. After making sure Chris received the care needed, Paul drafted, sponsored and passed legislation in the House that will ensure no veteran has to endure what Chris Howe experienced. The Ombudsman's Office within the VA is tasked with helping veterans navigate the veterans' health care system.

* Voting for the largest expansion of VA Benefits in American history.
Paul has consistently voted to increase investment in veterans' health care. In October of 2009, President Obama signed into law legislation supported by Paul that will overhaul VA funding to allow Congress to approve crucial funding two years in advance. These reforms will ensure that funding for veterans care is not subject to political delays or maneuverings in Congress. In the Senate, Paul will continue to support policies than ensure veterans health care needs are adequately funded and administered.

* Working to bring a new GI Benefits Package.
Paul supported the creation of a modern-day G.I. Bill, which allows an estimated 2.1 million members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including activated reservist and members of the National Guard, to be eligible for up to four years of education benefits, including stipends for housing and books.

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