Chairman’s Corner
Last week, the Committee held its first markup of the year after numerous hearings on a variety of subjects affecting America’s veterans, their families, and survivors. I am pleased to report that the Committee favorably reported five pieces of legislation to the full House for consideration, including H.R. 4072, as amended, the Consolidation Veterans Employment Services for Improved Performance Act of 2012. This bill, which includes legislation I introduced in February, is another important component in our mission to lower veterans’ unemployment to below 5% by placing all veterans’ employment programs under VA’s jurisdiction to improve coordination. I am appreciative of the support the bill has received from both sides of the aisle, and look forward to working in a bipartisan manner to continue to advance legislation for America’s veterans.
Care for Camp Lejeune Vets
The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs have joined forces to request that the Administration provide immediate VA healthcare to Camp Lejeune veterans and their families who were exposed to contaminated water over a 30-year period. After receiving correspondence from Secretary Shinseki on the matter stating it was “premature” to provide healthcare to these veterans, Chairman Miller, Ranking Member Filner, Chairman Murray, and Senator Burr sent a letter last week to President Obama to plead our case. To learn more about the exposure of Camp Lejeune veterans, please click here.
Remember. Honor. Teach.
Every December, Wreaths Across America sends hundreds of thousands of wreaths across the country, and the world, to honor our veterans at cemeteries from Arlington to Normandy. It is a year round effort on behalf of the team in Maine headed by Morrill and Karen Worcester. In this month’s newsletter, Chairman Miller shares his Wreaths Across America experience at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Florida.
President Bush Rides Again
President George W. Bush doesn’t mess around when it comes to riding his bike, nor does he mess around when it comes to supporting our troops and veterans. What better way for the former President to raise awareness for wounded warriors than on 100 km bike ride through Texas. Check out this great video of the adventure!
Pearl Harbor Survivor Joins His Brothers
The list of Pearl Harbor survivors is sadly growing smaller and smaller by the day. This past week, another member of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Frank Chebetar, passed away at the age of 90. Frank spent much of his life carrying on the legacy of those who fought at Pearl Harbor. He was a leader amongst the survivors and will be greatly missed. To learn more about Frank and his contributions to the veterans’ community, click here.
#Mayis4troops
May is Military Appreciation Month. Keep with the Committee on Twitter throughout the month @HouseVetAffairs using hashtag #MayIs4Troops for daily military and veterans facts.
Upcoming Committee Schedule
May 8: VA Mental Health Care Staffing: Ensuring Quality and Quantity. 10:30am 334 Cannon House Office Building
