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Media Advisories

VOW Act Applications Now Being Accepted!

VA Secretary Shinseki testified before the Committee last week amid rising concerns about VA mental health care and access. The Secretary stated that VA has been in a “react cycle.” This is not good enough...

Chairman's Corner

VA Secretary Shinseki testified before the Committee last week amid rising concerns about VA mental health care and access. The Secretary stated that VA has been in a “react cycle.” This is not good enough. VA has a shortage of mental health providers nationwide, and according to a recent VA Inspector General report, veterans are waiting an average of 50 days to receive a mental health evaluation. This is unacceptable. Our veterans need support for the invisible wounds of war today, not tomorrow or next month. Expect to see much more on this subject in the coming months. In the meantime, if you, or if you know of a veteran who needs assistance, I urge you to call the VA Crisis Line at (800) 273-8235 and press 1 for veterans.

ATTN: Unemployed Veterans

The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 is being implemented, and with that, starting today, unemployed veterans ages 35-60 can apply for retraining under the Montgomery GI Bill for in-demand jobs. To learn more about the program, eligibility, and important dates, please click here. Be sure to spread the word to other veterans!

Know The Facts

Rumors continue to circulate about the recently House-passed budget and its impact on veterans. The budget does not cut benefits for veterans. In fact, the FY2013 budget will provide substantially more funding for VA over the next 10 years. To learn more about the budget and its positive impact on veterans, click here.

Riding in Style

For too long, paralyzed or veterans with amputations have only had one choice in modified automobiles – the minivan. This was mainly due to that fact that the minivan could be easily converted and retrofitted. But now due to advances in technology, veterans have more choices in cars thanks to the auto industry. The new cars include SUVs and modified three-wheelers.

WWII Bomber Discovered

In June of 1942, a Kittyhawk P-40 piloted by Sergeant Dennis Copping of the Royal Airforce was flying over the North African Desert when his plane crashed. Now, nearly 70 years since the plane went missing, it has been recovered thanks to a Polish oil company working in the area. The plane was found in extraordinary condition. To read more, 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 16: Subcommittee on Health: Optimizing Care for Veterans with Prosthetics, 10:00 A.M., 334 Cannon House Office Building

·May 16: Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity: Examining Executive Order #13607 and Its Impact and Schools and Veterans, 2:00 p.m., 340 Cannon House Office Building

May 31: Full Committee: Reviewing the Implementation of Major Provisions of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, 10:15 A.M., 334 Cannon House Office Building

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