Today, U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce joined his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass a series of bills to help America’s veterans.
“Our veterans must remain a top priority,” said Pearce. “We must never forget those who have put their lives on the line and made unimaginable sacrifices for our freedom. Today, I was glad to join with Democrats and Republicans alike to pass legislation to honor and better serve American veterans. We voted to recognize the courageous actions of Bennie G. Adkins and Donald P. Sloat, two heroes of the Vietnam War whose bravery has gone unrecognized for far too long. We passed legislation to help tackle the VA’s backlog on disability claims. And, we passed legislation improving our nation’s work to assist veterans with education and employment opportunities. While we can never repay their sacrifices, we must always offer our support and our gratitude.”
The House today passed H.R. 3304, “to authorize and request the President to award the Medal of Honor to Bennie G. Adkins and Donald P. Sloat of the United States Army for acts of valor during the Vietnam Conflict.” In addition, the following bills today passed the House with strong bipartisan support:
H.R. 1742 —Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act of 2013
H.R. 2189 — To establish a commission or task force to evaluate the backlog of disability claims of the Department of Veterans Affairs
H.R. 2481 — The Veterans Economic Opportunity Act of 2013
H.R. 2011 —Veterans’ Advisory Committee on Education Improvement Act
H.R. 1405 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to include an appeals form in any notice of decision issued for the denial of a benefit sought
