Issue Position: Veterans

Issue Position

Congressman DeFazio firmly believes that it is an obligation of the federal government, not an option, to properly take care of the men and women who proudly serve in our nation's armed forces. Throughout his time in Congress he has fought to ensure that the United States makes good on that obligation. In recent years Congress has passed long overdue funding increases for the VA, and Congressman DeFazio has always insisted that these funds translate into better service for Oregon Veterans.

These men and women fought for their country. They should not have to fight the Veterans Administration for the benefits and services they earned. Congressman DeFazio has two full-time staff members in his Eugene district office devoted to helping veterans navigate the system.

Congressman DeFazio urges veterans to call his Eugene office at 1-800-944-9603 if they are having problems with the VA.

Congressman DeFazio served in the United States Air Force Reserve from June 1967 until his honorable discharge with the rank of 2nd Lt. on March 30, 1971.

Oregon Veterans

Over the past several years Congress has increased funding for the VA. Now we need to make sure that this funding translates into proper health care and services for Oregon veterans. When service cuts were proposed at the Roseburg VA Medical Center, Congressman DeFazio stood up and demanded that no changes be made without the input of local veterans. Congressman DeFazio understands that VA bureaucrats do not always know what is best for Oregon veterans, and has worked to make sure that Veterans in Southwest Oregon have a say in the healthcare they receive. Congressman DeFazio has fought for over a year to restore needed medical services to Roseburg. The Congressman will not let up on pressing the VA until top notch healthcare services are available to veterans at the Roseburg VA Medical Center.

In order to ensure that veterans across rural Oregon are able to access the care that they have earned, Congressman DeFazio introduced H.R. 3358, the Troops' Soft Landing, Employment, and Rural Transportation Act. Among many other benefits for veterans, the bill authorizes the VA to establish a grant program to provide transportation to veterans in highly rural areas.

Veterans Benefits

The last thing that a disabled veteran should be forced to deal with is a bureaucratic battle between the Pentagon and the VA regarding their pay. Congressman DeFazio is a cosponsor of H.R. 333, which would finally allow all disabled veterans to receive both their VA and Department of Defense (DoD) pay. This is the most comprehensive concurrent receipt legislation ever introduced.

To correct another inequity in pay for widows of veterans, Congressman DeFazio is a cosponsor of H.R. 178, Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act. The bill would repeal a bureaucratic rule that prevents widows of veterans from receiving full Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs compensation.

Updated July 29, 2011

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