Media Advisories

Chairman's Corner

This week, the President signed into law my bill, H.R. 1627, The Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012. With more than 50 provisions, the legislation represents a large portion of what the Committee and the Congress have been working on over the past year and a half on behalf of America’s veterans, their families, and survivors. The bill was greeted with overwhelming bipartisan support – receiving no opposition in either chamber. I am very proud of all my colleagues as we were able to put aside differences, which have become the status quo in Washington. One of the major provisions of the Act provides healthcare for the veterans and families who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeuene in North Carolina. For far too long these Marines and their families have had an uphill battle to receive the care they need and deserve, but at last, VA healthcare is now available to them.                               

August at the Committee

August is a busy month for Committee Members, with events, veteran townhalls, and field hearings occurring across the country. From Ohio to New York to Florida, Members of the Committee will be out and about to hear directly from you, so be sure to contact your Member’s office to check schedules. The focal point of these events is the Committee’s field hearing on the construction delays at the new Orlando VA Medical Center in Florida. The hearing will be held on August 13, 2012, at 9 a.m. For more information, please check out: The New Orlando VA Medical Center: Broken Ground, Broken Promises.

Countdown to the Paralympics

The Olympics have already made for some of the most inspirational television moments of this year. Perhaps the biggest inspiration of all has been Oscar Pistorious, the double amputee from South Africa who participated in the 400m. While Pistorious is the only amputee competing in the Olympics, he is not the only one who will be competing in London this month. In less than 3 weeks the Paralympics are set to begin. Team USA includes two active-duty servicemembers and 18 veterans. The 2012 Paralympics begin August 29.

Lt. Dan Band Rides Again

Gary Sinise has been called the new Bob Hope, dedicating much of his time away from the big screen trying to improving the lives of veterans. He does so much, we can’t keep up! But one of the more visible ways Sinese shows his unwavering support for those who have been wounded in defense of our nation are his Lt. Dan Band benefit concerts. On August 16, the band will play tribute to triple amputee Marine Corporal Kyle Hockenberry in Marietta, Georgia. Thank you, Lt. Dan!

Free for Life

Renowned singer, songwriter, and actor Tim McGraw recently gave one lucky veteran in Colorado a mortgage-free home. McGraw has partnered with Chase and Operation Homefront to award mortgage-free homes to wounded warriors and servicemembers at each concert stop of his summer tour. We would like to thank Mr. McGraw, whose work to help our wounded warriors is steadfast.