STATEMENT OF
DAVID G. GREINEDER
AMVETS DEPUTY NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
BEFORE THE
COMMITTEE ON VETERANS’ AFFAIRS
SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISABILITY ASSISTANCE AND MEMORIAL AFFAIRS
UNITED STATES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ON
H.R. 23, THE BELATED THANK YOU TO THE MERCHANT MARINERS OF WORLD WAR II ACT OF 2005;
H.R. 601, NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS CEMETERY ACT OF 2005;
H.R. 2188, A BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE PLACEMENT OF MEMORIAL MARKERS IN A NATIONAL CEMETERY FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMMEMORATING SERVICE MEMBERS WHOSE REMAINS ARE INTERRED IN AN AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS VOMMISSION CEMETERY;
H.R. 2963, DR. JAMES ALLEN DISABLED VETERANS EQUITY ACT;
H.R. 4843, VETERANS’ COMPENSATION COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 2006;
H.R. 5038, VETERANS’ MEMORIAL MARKER ACT OF 2006; AND
H.R. 5037, RESPECT FOR AMERICA’S FALLEN HEROES ACT.
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2006
 

Chairman Miller, Ranking Member Berkley, and members of the Subcommittee:

AMVETS is pleased to present our views on the legislation before the Subcommittee: H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2005; H.R. 601, Native American Veterans Cemetery Act of 2005; H.R. 2188, a bill to authorize the placement of memorial markers in a national cemetery for the purpose of commemorating service members whose remains are interred in an American Battle Monuments Commission Cemetery; H.R. 2963, Dr. James Allen Disabled Veterans Equity Act; H.R. 4843, Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006; H.R. 5038, Veterans’ Memorial Marker Act of 2006; and H.R. 5037, Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act.

AMVETS applauds this Subcommittee and its effort to identify, examine and pursue legislative initiatives for veterans to obtain the services and benefits they richly deserve. We are honored to join our fellow veterans service organizations represented here today, and look forward to working with you on these matters.

H.R. 23, the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2005

H.R. 23, introduced by Rep. Bob Filner, would provide a $1,000 monthly payment, tax free, to the 10,000 surviving Merchant Mariners of World War II, or their widows. If implemented, this legislation would cost $120 million for the first year, and approximately $20 million in subsequent years. The bill would automatically sunset with the death of the last mariner’s spouse.

The Merchant Mariner’s were a small, but critical component to the Allies efforts in World War II. They transported troops, ammunition, food, gas, and other supplies that were necessary to win the war. It is estimated that as many as 800 merchant marine ships were sunk by enemy forces.

AMVETS certainly recognizes the sacrifices that these brave men made in service to the nation during World War II. While we understand the motive and intentions for this legislation, we do have some concerns about how it seeks to resolve the issue. AMVETS believes this bill would be extremely costly to VA. The high cost associated with H.R. 23 could impair VA’s ability to provide the benefits it already manages. Furthermore, Congress would need to find millions of dollars in offsets VBA cannot afford. Again, we are proud of the accomplishments and service of the Merchant Marines in WWII, but we believe that the recommendations contained in this legislation could negatively impact VA’s budget.

H.R. 601, Native American Veterans Cemetery Act of 2005

H.R. 601, introduced by Rep. Tom Udall, would authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to any tribal organization for establishing, expanding, or improving veterans' cemeteries on trust lands. Essentially, it would allow tribes to apply for state cemetery grants from VA. Under current federal law, only States are able to apply for the grants.

As the veterans service organization responsible for the cemeteries portion of The Independent Budget, AMVETS works very closely with the National Cemetery Administration (NCA) and fully supports the State Cemeteries Grant Program. The program assists States in providing gravesites for veterans in areas where VA’s national cemeteries cannot fully satisfy their burial needs. In the western United States, where many Native Americans live today, the large land areas and spread out population makes it difficult to meet the “170,000 veterans within 75 miles” national veterans cemetery requirement.

AMVETS believes cemeteries on tribal lands would be an appropriate memorial and reminder of the sacrifices made by Native American men and women.

H.R. 2188, a bill to authorize the placement of memorial markers in a national cemetery for the purpose of commemorating service members whose remains are interred in an American Battle Monuments Commission Cemetery

H.R. 2188, introduced by Rep. Jim Langevin, would allow memorial markers to be placed in a national cemetery to commemorate service members who remains are interred in an American Battle Monuments Commission Cemetery. AMVETS shares the profound pride, admiration, and gratefulness associated with the spirit of this legislation. We are concerned, however, that the placement of markers in national cemeteries might be positioned on a plot of land more suitable for gravesites. At a time when burial space is severely limited, there must, of necessity, be some restrictions to ensure continued burial at national cemeteries.

AMVETS would not object to this legislative request. We do ask, however, that appropriate steps be taken to ensure that the lands used for these markers are not better intended for gravesites.

H.R. 2963, Dr. James Allen Disabled Veterans Equity Act

H.R. 2963, introduced by Rep. Tammy Baldwin, would allow veterans who have a complete loss of sight in one eye due to a service-connected injury to receive increased disability compensation if they lose sight in the other eye, regardless of whether that loss of sight is service-connected.

AMVETS supports the bill. It will greatly improve the benefits for older veterans who have lost their vision due, in large part, from their military service. We recognize the need and importance of this legislation.

H.R. 4843, Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006

H.R. 4843, introduced by the distinguished Subcommittee Chairman, would provide a cost-of-living adjustment to veterans’ benefits effective December 1, 2006. This legislation would affect the more than 2.9 million service-connected veterans and survivors receiving VA benefits. We are pleased that Rep. Berkley, full Committee Chairman Buyer and Ranking Member Evans are all original cosponsors of the bill.

The House and Senate annually review the service-connected disability compensation and DIC programs to ensure such benefits provide reasonable and adequate compensation for disabled veterans and their families. Based on this review, Congress acts annually to provide a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in compensation and DIC benefits. Congress has provided annual increases in these rates for every fiscal year since 1976.

AMVETS supports our nation’s commitment to care for the men and women who have served in our military service. This legislation will increase current rates of disability compensation and help meet rising costs. We support the bill.

H.R. 5038, Veterans’ Memorial Marker Act of 2006

H.R. 5038, introduced by Chairman Miller, would extend, by one year, the ability of veterans and their families to receive VA’s official grave marker if the veteran had passed away during the period between November 1, 1990, and September 11, 2001. AMVETS trusts that the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee can locate the funds necessary to incorporate these veterans and family members with an official recognition. AMVETS supports the bill.

H.R. 5037, Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act

H.R. 5037, introduced by Rep. Mike Rogers, would restrict protests at national cemeteries during military funeral honors. AMVETS wholeheartedly supports this legislation. We believe it is only appropriate that grieving families be allowed to bury their loved ones in peace.

AMVETS is troubled, and quite frankly, offended, that more than 100 military funerals in the last nine months have been interrupted by aggressive war protests. This disrespectful display is the last thing mourners need to see at a funeral service. Families burying their husbands, wives, sons or daughters should not be subject to threats and intimidation. AMVETS believes this bill is very timely and hopes it receives swift passage on the House floor.

In closing Mr. Chairman, AMVETS looks forward to working with you and others in Congress to ensure the earned benefits of all of America’s veterans are strengthened and improved. As we find ourselves in times that threaten our very freedom, our nation must never forget those who ensure our freedom endures.

This concludes my testimony. Thank you again for the opportunity to present our views, and I would be happy to answer any question you might have.


David G. Greineder
AMVETS Deputy National Legislative Director

David Greineder joined AMVETS (American Veterans) on May 10, 2004. As the Deputy National Legislative Director (currently serving as Acting National Legislative Director), he is the primary individual responsible for promoting AMVETS legislative, national security, and foreign affairs goals before the administration and the Congress of the United States.

Prior to assuming his current position, David worked nearly five years on Capitol Hill as a legislative staff aide in the offices of Pennsylvania Reps. George W. Gekas and Timothy F. Murphy. He was a key policy advisor for a wide range of issues, including veterans’ affairs, and helped manage federal appropriations efforts in both congressional offices.

David completed undergraduate work at Millersville University of Pennsylvania, where he was an assistant of data collection for the Keystone Poll.

AMVETS National Headquarters
4647 Forbes Boulevard
Lanham, MD 20706
Telephone: 301-459-9600
Fax: 301-459-7924
Email: dgreineder@amvets.org

April 6, 2006


The Honorable Jeff Miller, Chairman
Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs
House Veterans’ Affairs Committee
Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Chairman Miller:

Neither AMVETS nor I have received any federal grants or contracts, during this year or in the last two years, from any agency or program relevant to the April 6, 2006 Subcommittee hearing on veterans cemeteries, benefits, and related matters.

Sincerely,


David G. Greineder
Deputy National Legislative Director