Dreier-Supported Veterans Bills Pass House

March 30, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), expressed strong support today for three bills designed to improve and expand veterans’ benefits that passed the House with unanimous support.  The bills will provide veterans with access to job placement and health care services, as well as improved disability compensation.    H.R. 1171, The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act of 2009, H.R. 1377, to expand veteran eligibility for reimbursement, and H.R. 1513, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2009, all passed the House today by voice vote.

“Our men and women in uniform have made great sacrifices on behalf of our nation,” Dreier said.  “The bills approved today are reflective of the need to ensure we do everything possible to honor the service of our veterans and provide them with access to the care they need and deserve.  They and their families deserve nothing less.”

H.R. 1171 reauthorizes the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program through 2014.  This program, which is administered through the Department of Labor, provides job training, counseling, and placement services to help homeless veterans.

H.R. 1377 would allow veterans to be reimbursed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for emergency treatment in a non-VA facility.  This bill will allow veterans to seek emergency care at the closest provider without the fear of facing large out-of-pocket expenses.

H.R. 1513 would increase rates of VA disability compensation and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation by the same percentage as benefits under title II of the Social Security Act.