Walberg Helps Pass Bipartisan Veterans Bills

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Walberg voted today in support of several pieces of legislation to assist our nation's veterans. Among the bipartisan pieces of legislation passed are bills that address the disability claim backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs, improve vocational and educational opportunities for veterans, and help vulnerable disabled veterans maintain housing.

"I was proud to support a host of veterans-focused bills today which demonstrate our nation's continued bipartisan commitment to the men and women who have put their lives on the line for our country. From efforts to bring transparency and accountability to the unacceptable claims backlog at the VA, to legislation that provides additional education and vocational assistance for our veterans, these bills are a step in the right direction for our veterans and their families," said Rep. Walberg following the votes.

Background on bills:

• H.R. 2189 creates a task force to examine and make recommendations on ways to fix the disability claim backlog at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

• H.R. 3304 authorizes and asks the President to award the Medal of Honor to certain veterans

• H.R. 1742, Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act, exempts severely disabled veterans from having to prove that home-aid benefits are being spent on their care before meeting income eligibility requirements for public housing.

• H.R. 2481 creates the Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration to manage programs that provide economic assistance to veterans, their dependents and survivors.

• H.R. 1405 requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include an appeal form in any notice of decision denying a benefit claim, and increase local and state government access to veterans' records to expedite claims.

• H.R. 2011, Veterans Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act, expands the veterans represented in the Veterans Affairs education and training programs.