If they are serious about helping the Veteran population then put us on the same scale as the CONGRESSMAN. Thats pay, benefits the whole ball of wax... After all, we would not be here had it not being for their sacrifice Dan. Dear Friends, This weekend we all pause to reflect on the men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms and way of life. From World War II to Korea and Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, men and women have left their families behind missing birthdays, holidays, and milestones to put their lives in harm’s way in service to our nation. When they leave we make a promise to support their families while they are away. Once they return our lifelong commitment to them begins as we stand beside them and provide the care they need to overcome the visible and invisible scars of their service. Last week, it was an honor to welcome the first Central Valley Honor Flight as they toured their monuments. It was an unbelievable experience to say thank you to our Valley’s World War II veterans who have given so much to our country and our community. Watching these men see the memorial to their service for the first time was a touching reminder of why their generation has come to be known as the Greatest Generation, and we still have a huge debt of gratitude to them that we may never fully repay. Congressman Costa speaks with Valley World War II veteran during Central Valley Honor Flight’s visit to Washington. We also reexamine our policies to make sure that this grateful nation is answering the call to serve those who have served. Over the last few years, many of our Valley veterans have faced delays in receiving the benefits that they have earned due to a backlog of claims for disability compensation at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). As your representative in Congress, I remain committed to ensuring veterans have timely access to their benefits and to reducing the backlog. While over the last six months, the VA has significantly reduced the backlog of claims by over 30%, there is clearly more to do. Last week, the House also came together in a bipartisan fashion to pass H.R. 2189 that includes two key provisions that I helped author. The first measure would expedite claims and remove barriers that prevent timely payment. The commonsense bill would allow veterans filing multiple claims to receive compensation as VA adjudicates individual claims rather than waiting until all of their claims have been processed to receive any compensation. The second measure would reauthorize the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP), a critical program that provides grants to organizations that assist veterans with job training and placement. While we have much to do to end the scourge of homelessness among veterans, the House took a strong step toward making good on our promises to our veterans with the passage of these two bills. The Senate must now act on this bipartisan package. Working together, we are making great strides to better serve our Valley Veterans. Just last month we opened the doors to the Fresno Veterans Home and welcomed the first residents. I was proud to help initiate this effort over twelve years ago and look forward to continuing to work with all of our partners who made the home a reality. Every Veterans Day, Americans pause to salute those who have served and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I’d personally like to extend my deepest thanks to those who have and are currently serving in our armed services. We can never thank you enough for what you do. Sincerely, Jim Costa Member of Congress
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 18:52:00 +0000
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