VFW ME District 3

1. House Committee Marks up Vet Bills: Several VFW-supported bills cleared their respective subcommittees this week.  All of the bills now move to the full committee for consideration.

HR 952 would expand the meaning of combat with the enemy to mean active duty service in a combat theater during a time of war not just during actual combat. The bill aims to shorten the claims process for many veterans suffering from psychological injuries. 

HR 2270 would establish a compensation fund for certain WWII veterans who were not eligible for readjustment benefits.  Those eligible would receive a monthly payment of $1000

HR 1037 would authorize $10 million annually to implement a five-year pilot program to expand work-study activities for veterans on campuses.

HR 1098, The Veterans' Worker Retraining Act of 2009 would increase educational assistance for veterans pursuing internships or on-the-job training. It also increased the monthly training assistance for eligible veterans and their dependents under the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance program.

HR 2180 would waive housing loan fees for veterans with service-connected disabilities called to active duty.

HR 1821, The Equity for Injured Veterans Act of 2009 would extend VA's Vocational Rehabilitation program to 15 years following discharge or release from active duty. It also authorizes single parents participating in the program up to $2000 a month for child care services.

 For more information on any of the bills cleared visit the House VA website at: http://veterans.house.gov/

OR type the bill # into the box at http://thomas.loc.gov/

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