VFW Department of NC Legislative Updates

February 13, 2008 at 01:45 PM

by NC VFW Legislative

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January 2, 2008 at 10:00 PM

by NC VFW Legislative

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December 3, 2007 at 11:58 AM

by NC VFW Legislative

For the Janurary and February District Meeting Schedules,

Go to:   www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/officers

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October 16, 2007 at 07:33 AM

by NC VFW Legislative

Commanders and Comrades,

We are currently seeking your assistance in accomplishing one of the duties of the 2007-2008 National Legislative Committee members.  We are required to establish a network of individuals, who will contact their Congressman in response to VFW Legislative Alerts.  These Comrades must be willing to contact and/or meet with their Congressional representative or Senator in their local Congressional District Office or to contact their Washington, D.C. office in regards to the VFW’s legislative agenda.  Comrades interested in becoming a part of the statewide network should have access to a telephone, computer and/or fax machine.  US Postal Service mail, especially when mailed to any legislative office in Washington, D.C., delivery is delayed for several months while the mail is routed through a security examination.  To become a part of the statewide network, please contact Elree or Ray-

Go to: www.vfwwebcom.org/nc/legislative

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October 16, 2007 at 06:09 AM

by NC VFW Legislative

The VFW’s 2008 Legislative Priority Goals

VA Budget - The VFW calls on Congress to pass a sufficient budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs to properly care for the health care demands for all veterans, especially the thousands of young service members accessing their earned benefits for the first time.  The VFW also urges Congress to pass an on-time VA Budget before the fiscal year end, September 31, 2007.  Congress missed a golden opportunity to permit the Department of Veterans Affairs to begin the new fiscal year fully funded.  The delay in funding the VA will delay implementing programs and services that will ultimately result in Veterans continuing to suffer delays in receiving appointments and the backlog of claims to continue to grow.

VA Benefits and Compensation - The VFW calls on Congress to provide adequate resources to enable the Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA) to reduce the current backlog of claims.  VBA is the gateway to all VA benefits and health care.

Education - The VFW calls on Congress to enact a compensation GI Bill for the 21^st Century in the spirit of the original WWII GI Bill, covering the total cost of education including tuition, books, fees and living expenses for attendance at any educational institution.  Senate Bill S.22 and House Bill HR-2702 are bills currently before Congress that will meet the VFW education goal.

Military Quality of Life - The VFW calls on Congress to fully fund all programs that enable our troops to succeed in their mission.  We must ensure our active duty; guard and reserve members are provided increased pay, affordable health care, adequate housing and work facilities for themselves and their families.

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October 16, 2007 at 05:16 AM

by NC VFW Legislative

VFW Action Alert:  Legislation supported or opposed by the VFW and a listing of North Carolina Congressional Delegates listed as cosponsors.

Senate Bills:

Supported by VFW      S.935   A bill to repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivors Benefit Plan by veteran’s dependency and indemnity compensation, and for other purposes.

            NC Cosponsors:          None

Supported by VFW      S.225   A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the number of individuals qualifying for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers'' Group Life Insurance.

            NC Cosponsors:          None

Supported by VFW      S.22     Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends federal veterans' benefits provisions to provide educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill to certain individuals who serve on active duty in the Armed Forces on or after September 11, 2001. Covers the cost of tuition, housing, fees, books and provides a cost-of-living stipend.  Makes education accessible for all who have served, rewards active duty service for guard and reserve members and helps ease the transition from military to civilian life

            NC Cosponsors:          None

House Bills:

Supported by VFW      H.B. 1927  •  HR 1927 would repeal the requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan by veteran’s dependency and indemnity compensation, and change the effective date of 30 year paid up SBP coverage to October 1, 2007.

NC Cosponsors:          Walter Jones (3), Mike McIntyre (7)

Supported by VFW      H.B. 1589        To amend title 10, United States Code, to repeal the offset from surviving spouse annuities under the military Survivor Benefit Plan for amounts paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs as dependency and indemnity compensation, to repeal the optional annuity authority for the dependent children of a member when there is an eligible surviving spouse, and for other purposes.

            NC Cosponsors:          None

Opposed by VFW       H.B. 1490        To provide for a presumption of service-connectedness for certain claims for benefits under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

NC Cosponsors:          Walter Jones (3) & Howard Coble (6)         

Opposed by VFW       HB 1444          Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay an interim benefit of $500 per month when a claim for veterans' benefits is remanded by either the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims or the Board of Veterans' Appeals and the Secretary does not make a decision on the matter within 180 days of the date of the remand.

NC Cosponsors:          None

Opposed by VFW       H.B. 1435        Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Backlog Reduction Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a three-year pilot program to reduce the backlog of claims for benefits pending with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Requires the Secretary to: (1) conduct the pilot program with County Veterans Service Officers in California, Florida, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas; and (2) refer certain claims requiring further development to such Officers. Requires such Officers to: (1) act as claimant advocates in developing such claims; and (2) have access to client information contained in the VA's Benefits Delivery Network.

NC Cosponsors:          Mike McIntyre

Supported by VFW      H.B. 784          Amends Federal provisions relating to the military Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) to change from October 1, 2008, to October 1, 2007, the effective date on or after which no reduction may be made in the retired pay of an SBP participant for any month after the later of: (1) the 360th month for which such pay was so reduced; and (2) the month during which the participant attains 70 years of age.

NC Cosponsors:          Walter Jones (3), David Price (4), Virginia Foxx (5), Mike McIntyre (7) & Robin Hayes (6)

Supported by VFW      H.B. 585          To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the number of individuals qualifying for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers'' Group Life Insurance.

NC Cosponsors:          None

Supported by VFW      H.B. 551          To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to the eligibility of veterans for mortgage bond financing in California and Texas. Allows veterans serving after January 1,1977 to qualify for both these states veterans home mortgage bond program.

NC Cosponsors:          None

Supported by VFW      H.B. 358          To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand and make permanent the Department of Veterans Affairs benefit for Government markers for marked graves of veterans buried in private cemeteries, and for other purposes.

NC Cosponsors:          G. K. Butterfield (1), Mike McIntyre (7) & Heath Shuler (11)

Supported by VFW      H.B. 303          To amend title 10, United States Code, to permit certain additional retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs for their disability and either retired pay by reason of their years of military service or Combat-Related Special Compensation and to eliminate the phase-in period under current law with respect to such concurrent receipt.

NC Cosponsors:          Walter Jones (3), David Price (4), Virginia Foxx (5), Mike McIntyre (7), Robin Hayes (8) & Heath Shuler (11)

Supported by VFW      H.B. 67            Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish, maintain, and modify as necessary procedures for ensuring the effective coordination of outreach activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs between and among the Office of the Secretary, the Office of Public Affairs, the Veterans Health Administration, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration. Directs the Secretary to ensure that state and local outreach assistance is provided in locations that: (1) have relatively large concentrations of veterans; or (2) are experiencing growth in veteran populations. Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to state veteran’s agencies for state and local outreach services.

NC Cosponsors:          Bob Etheridge (2), Howard Coble (6) & Mike McIntyre (7)

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September 21, 2007 at 12:19 PM

by NC VFW Legislative

Mr. Yamrus –

Thanks again for stopping by our office. It was a pleasure meeting with you. I also want to let you know that Congressman Shuler has signed on as a cosponsor of HR 2702 (should be reflected online next week) – thank you for bringing this important bill to our attention and please keep in touch.

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September 19, 2007 at 04:25 PM

by NC VFW Legislative

Washington, DC – Sept. 9-12, 2007

 After a get acquainted dinner on Saturday, we spent Sunday in meetings discussing a variety of issues.  We were given updates on the military’s transition assistance, both for wounded warriors and those not wounded, and an update on the current bills under consideration.  We had training on how to conduct our meetings with the members of Congress, a VFW PAC update, and an overview of both the Democratic and Republican 2008 election strategy to recruit veterans into Congress.

Monday and Tuesday were spent on the Hill.  I attended with two of our NC VFW members, Ray Yamrus and Elree Smith.  The list of Senators and Representatives was split so that each of the VFW members met with one Senator and approximately half of the Reps. I accompanied Ray on his visits, since his list contained the name of the Congressman from my District. 

Although Congress was officially in session while we were in town, no real business was being conducted this week due to the report of General Petraeus, the death of Representative Gillmor (R-OH), special 9-11 remembrance ceremonies, and the Jewish New Year holidays later in the week.  But we were still able to meet with the various aides who handle veteran’s issues for each of our state’s House and Senate members.

In each of our visits, we focused on HR 2701, or its Senate equivalent S-22 – the Post 9/11 Education Assistance Bill.  All of the aides were receptive and said that they felt that the bill would be given consideration. Several told us about other bills to update the GI Bill, and that they were not familiar with this one.  We told him that HR 2702 was the one that the VFW chose to support since it was the most comprehensive.  We left a copy of the fact sheet for the GI Bill at all offices, and they appreciated the information.  At least two asked who introduced the bills, which we have since found out was Bobby Scott (D-VA) for HR 2702 and S-22 was introduced by Jim Webb (D-VA). Currently, only Democrats have signed up to Co-sponsor each bill. 

We also thanked them for support of the record breaking VA Funding bill, and discussed the quick resolution of issues in committee to resolve the two bills.  Some felt that it would be signed into law fairly quickly, but may miss the Oct 1 date by a few weeks. At least one indicated that it could be combined with other appropriation bills into one larger bill.

During our trip to Capitol Hill, Ray and I met with the following people:

·        Lee Lilley, Legislative Assistant to G. K. Butterfield (D) who represents the 1^st District in Wilson.  The day after we returned, we received an email from Lee, stating that the Congressman has signed on to HR 2702 (the GI Bill).

·        Clark Peterson, Legislative Assistant for Virginia Foxx (R) of the 5^th District in Boone.  They would look at the bill and consider support.

·        Casey Hastings, Senior Legislative Assistant for Patrick McHenry (R) of the 10^th District in Hickory.

·        Sean O’Brien, Legislative Director for Heath Shuler, (D) of the 11^th District.  Again, he told us that they would review the bill for consideration.

·        We met with Representative Robin Hayes (R) of the 8^th District and his National Security Legislative Assistant Jennifer Shirley.  Rep Hayes is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.  They told us that they were not familiar with HR 2702, but would look into it.  They let us know that there we other bills addressing updates to the GI Bill.  They will send us a full list of them.   

·        E. J. Kimball, Foreign Policy Counsel for Sue Myrick (R) of the 9^th District in Charlotte met with us.  I personally was very impressed with the display of approximately 30 8x10 portraits of servicemen on her wall.  They were all members of Rep. Myrick’s family who had served the nation in the military from WW I through current times, which accounts for her strong support for veterans.

·        Christopher Medley, Legislative Assistant to Bobby Etheridge (D) of the 2^nd District in Raleigh, was not available, and we met instead with Ben Bell who normally handles Agriculture/Natural Resource for the Congressman. He

·        In Senator Richard Burr’s office, we met with Kevin Hernandez, Legislative Assistant.  He told us that they had just received the official word that Senator Burr had been named to replace Senator Larry Craig as ranking Republican on the Senate Veteran Affair’s Committee.

All in all, it was a great experience.  I learned a lot about the fine points in the process of making our laws – both the good and the not-so-good.  I learned that there is a special language that they speak, which the insiders know, but which the average citizen does not necessarily understand.  For example, even with all of the activities that kept real business from being conducted while we were there, Congress is still considered “in session” all week.  And I learned that “writing” to your congressmen via standard US Mail is very slow, with letters taking weeks to arrive after going through screening at a clearinghouse.  Faxing or email is the way to communicate.

Finally, we made great connections with our Congressmen, which can be used on an on-going basis.  I know that the day after I returned, I heard about vandalizing of the Vietnam Wall, and had someplace to direct my email.

Helen Carter

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September 19, 2007 at 11:18 AM

by NC VFW Legislative

 National VFW Legislative Committee Members andVFW Auxiliary National Legislative/PAC DirectorVisit Legislators in Washington DC

National VFW Legislative Committee Member Ray Yamrus and Ladies Auxiliary National Legislative/PAC Director, Helen Carter, teamed up successfully while in Washington, DC attending the National Legislative Committee Conference.  Also attending was Elree Smith.  The North Carolina Congressional offices were divided between Ray and Elree.  Helen Carter chose to accompany Ray due to the fact that Congressman Etheridge was also her personal representative.

 The Conference began on Saturday with a get acquainted dinner that evening.  Sunday was filled with meetings discussing a variety of issues.  The attendees were given updates on the military’s transition assistance, both for wounded warriors and those not wounded, and an update on the current bills under consideration.  There was training on how to conduct the meetings with the members of Congress, a VFW/PAC update, and an overview of both the Democratic and Republican 2008 election strategy to recruit veterans into Congress.

 All Legislative Committee members were instructed to focus on HR 2702 or its Senate equivalent, S-22 – the post 9/11 Education Assistance Bill.  A copy of the fact sheet for HR 2702 was left at all House of Representative’s offices and a copy of S-22 was left in the Senators’ offices.  The Legislative Assistants appreciated receiving the information.

   a. Lee Lilley, Legislative Assistant to G. K. Butterfield (D-1) (Wilson) sent an e-mail to both of us reporting that Congressman Butterfield had already agreed to sign on as a supporter to HR 2702!  LEE.LILLEY@mail.house.gov  or FAX:  (202) 225-3354

   b. Clark Peterson, Legis. Asst. for Virginia Foxx (R-5) (Boone) stated they would look closely at the bill and consider support.  CLARK.PETERSON@mail.house.gov  or  FAX  (202) 225-2995

  c.  Casey Hastings, Sr. Legis. Asst. for Patrick McHenry (R-10) (Hickory) also agreed to study this bill and consider support.  Casey.Hastings@mail.house.gov  or  FAX  (202) 225-0316

  d.  Sean O’Brien, Legis. Director for Heath Shuler (D-11) (Waynesville) told us that they would review the bill for consideration.  sean.obrien@mail.house.gov  or  FAX  (202) 226-6422

  e. Representative Robin Hayes (R-8) (Concord) and his National Security Legislative Assistant Jennifer Shirley met with us personally.  Hayes is a member of the House Armed Services Committee.  They stated there were not familiar with HR 2702, but would look closely at it.  They informed us that there are other bills addressing updates to the GI Bill and they are going to forward that list to us.  JENNIFER.SHIRLEY@mail.house.gov  or  FAX  (202) 225-4036

  f. Edward J. Kimball, Foreign Policy Counsel for Sue Myrick (R-10) Charlotte met with us.  She is a traditionally strong supporter of all legislation supporting veterans.  EDWARD.KIMBALL@mail.house.gov  or  FAX  (202) 225-3389

  g. Christopher Medley, Legis. Asst. to Bob Etheridge (D-2) (Lillington) was not available and we met instead with Ben Bell who normally handles Agriculture/Natural Resources for the Congressman.  He promised to inform Mr. Medley and Congressman Etheridge of HR 2702.  CHRIS.MEDLEY@mail.house.gov  or  FAX  (202) 225-5662

 We met with Kevin Hernandez, Legis. Asst. to Senator Richard Burr.  He appreciated our endeavors for passing S-22.  He then informed us that Sen. Burr had just been appointed ranking Republican on the Senate Veterans Affair’s Committee.  www.Burr.senate.gov   or FAX (202) 228-2981

 All of the legislative offices we visited stressed that snail mail is dreadfully slow due to security checking.  If you have anything you wish to share with your Congressman or Senator, please either fax or e-mail them your concerns.  Please see e-mail addresses and fax numbers listed above.

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September 17, 2007 at 11:47 AM

by NC VFW Legislative

 VFW National Legislative Committee Members from across the nation visited with members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representative September 10-12, 2007.  VFW National Legislative Committee Member Elree T. Smith visited the offices of Senator Elizabeth Dole and House of Representatives members; Walter Jones (3), David Price (4), Howard Coble (6), Mike McIntrye (7), Melvin Watt (12) and Brad Miller (13).  Elree met with Senator Dole, Representatives Walter Jones and David Price to present and discuss the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ 2008 Legislative Priority Goals.  Elree also met with the Legislative Assistant(s) or Administrative(s) Assistant responsible for veterans and military issues for Representatives Coble, McIntyre, Watt and Miller.

The Organization’s 2008 Legislative Priority Goals are:

VA Budget - The VFW calls on Congress to pass a sufficient budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs to properly care for the health care demands of all veterans, especially the thousands of young service members accessing their earned benefits for the first time.  The VFW also urges Congress to pass an on-time VA Budget before the fiscal year ends on September 31, 2007.

VA Benefits and Compensation - The VFW calls on Congress to provide adequate resources to enable the Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA) to reduce the current backlog of claims.  VBA is the gateway to all VA benefits and health care.

Education - The VFW calls on Congress to enact a compensation GI Bill for the 21^st Century in the spirit of the original WWII GI Bill, covering the total cost of higher education including tuition, books, fees and living expenses for attendance at any institution.  Senate Bill S.22 and House Bill HR-2702 are bills currently before Congress that will meet the VFW education goal.

Military Quality of Life - The VFW calls on Congress to fully fund all programs that enable our troops to succeed in their mission.  We must ensure our active duty; guard and reserve members are provided increased pay, affordable health care and adequate housing and work facilities for themselves and their families.

The member of Congress or their staffs that Elree met with are all supportive of the VFW 2008 Priority Goals.  The only concern voiced was passage of the Department of Veterans Affairs Budget before the end of the current fiscal year.  Senator Dole and Representative Price indicated that because of the broad based support for the VA Budget, Congress will pass the approbations bill.  The only problem will be in limiting the number of ear marks attached to the approbations legislation.

VFW members of the Department of North Carolina are encourage to establish and maintain contact with member is Congress both in Washington, DC and their home Congressional District.  The best time to contact a Senator or Congressman is when they are visiting one of their local offices.  Most members of Congress are in their home state each weekend.  To set up an appointment with one of the local offices, consult the blue pages of you local telephone book for the office nearest to your home address.  You may also contact the offices listed below.  The best method to contact your local Congressional office will be by telephone.  The best method to contact your Congressional office in Washington, DC is by e-mail, fax or telephone.

          Senator Elizabeth Dole         

          Washington, DC Office

          Telephone: (202) 224-6342

            Fax: (202) 224-1100

                        Lindsey R. Neas, Military Legislative Assistant

                        Telephone: (202) 224-6342

                              Email: lindsey_neas@dole.senate.gov

                                 North Carolina Offices:

Raleigh            (919) 856-4630

                                Salisbury          (704) 633-5011

                                Hendersonville (828) 698-3747

                                Greenville         (252) 329-1093

            Representative Walter Jones (3^rd Congressional District)

                Washington, DC Office

Telephone: (202) 225-3415

            Fax: (202) 225-3286

                        Josh Bowlen, Legislative Director

                                                Telephone: (202) 225-3415

                                                Email: josh.bowlen@mail.house.gov

                                    North Carolina Office: 

Greenville            (252) 931-1003

            Representative David Price (4^th Congressional District)

                Washington, DC Office

Telephone: (202) 225-1784

            Fax: (202) 225-2014

                        Thomas W. Ross, Jr., Legislative Assistant

                                                Telephone: (202) 225-1784

                                                Email: Tommy.Ross@mail.house.gov

                                North Carolina Offices:

Raleigh             (919) 859-5999

                                Chapel Hill       (919) 967-7924

                               Durham            (919) 688-3004

            Representative Howard Coble (6^th Congressional District)

                Washington, DC Office

Telephone: (202) 225-3065

            Fax: (202) 225-8611

                        John Mautz, Legislative Director

                                                Telephone: (202) 225-3065

                                                Email: john.mautz@mail.house.gov

                               North Carolina Offices:

Greensboro            (336) 333-5005

                                Asheboro         (336) 626-3060

                                High Point        (336) 886-5106

                               Salisbury          (704) 645-8082

                              Graham            (336) 229-0159

            Representative Mike McIntyre (7^th Congressional District)

              Washington, DC Office

Telephone: (202) 225-2731

            Fax: (202) 225-5773

                                                Kate Fox, Staff Assistant         

                                                Telephone: (202) 225-2731

                                                Email: kate.fox@mail.house.gov

                               North Carolina Offices:

Fayetteville            (910) 323-0260

                               Wilmington       (910) 815-4959

                               Lumberton        (910) 735-0610

            Representative Melvin L. Watt (12^th Congressional District)

             Washington, DC Office

             Telephone: (202) 225-1510

              Fax: (202) 225-1512

                                Corey Little, Communications/Legislative Assistant       

                                Telephone: (202) 225-1510

                                 Email: Corey.Little@mail.house.gov

                                North Carolina Offices:

Charlotte            (704) 344-9950

                                Greensboro      (336) 275-9950

            Representative Brad Miller (13^th Congressional District)

                 Washington, DC Office

Telephone: (202) 225-3032

            Fax: (202) 225-0181

                        Michael J. Canning, Legislative Assistant

                      Telephone: (202) 225-3032

                       Email: michael.canning@mail.house.gov

                                 North Carolina Offices:

Raleigh            (919) 836-1313

                               Greensboro      (336) 574-2909

NOTE: The Washington, DC Congressional Staff are changed from time to time.  The contact names listed above may change but the job titles may remain the same.

Raymond J. Yamrus, the other member of North Carolina’s VFW National Legislative Committee Team is responsible for maintaining a close relationship with Senator Richard Burr, Representatives G. K. Butterfield (1), Bob Etheridge (2), Virginia Fox (5), Robin Hayes (8), Sue Myrick (9), Patrick McHenry (10) and Heath Shuler (11).

VFW members of the Department of North Carolina are urged to monitor legislation of interest to veterans via the VFW Washington Office web site at www.vfw.org and sign-up to receive our e-newsletter at http://capwiz.com/vfw/mlm/signup.

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