VFW Visits Legislators in Washington DC
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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