Congresswoman Matsui Supports Series of Bills to Improve Veterans Benefits and Assistance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 29, 2010

CONTACT: MARA LEE
(202) 225-7163

Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) supported the passage of a series of bills on the House floor this week which will improve veterans benefits. Three bills passed the House Tuesday that will directly benefit America's veterans: H.R. 6132, the Veterans Benefits and Economic Welfare Improvement Act; H.R. 6058, the Wounded Warrior and Military Survivor Housing Assistance Act; and H.R. 3787, which extends full veteran status and benefits to reservists who completed 20 years or more of service.

We have a duty to the men and women who bravely put their lives on the line to protect our freedom, remarked Congresswoman Matsui. While we often are focused on these heroes during their time of service, these important pieces of legislation will support them when they return, helping to keep our nation's veterans employed and in a home of their own.

H.R. 6132, the Veterans Benefits and Economic Welfare Improvement Act, will create a job training program for veterans to provide them with the necessary skills they need to successfully reenter the work force. Young veterans, ages 18-24, are currently facing unemployment rates of 21.1 percent, substantially higher than the 16.6 percent facing their civilian counterparts. H.R. 6058, the Wounded Warrior and Military Survivor Housing Assistance Act of 2010 will facilitate veterans access to housing assistance programs offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development or the Department of Veterans Affairs.

It is essential that we support our returning troops by providing them with the assistance they need to make a smooth transition home, Congresswoman Matsui added. I am certain that H.R. 6132 will help us better address the unacceptably high unemployment rate among our young veterans. And H.R. 6058 will provide injured veterans, and their survivors and dependants, the assistance they need to find or remain in a home.

Additionally, Congresswoman Matsui voted to pass H.R. 3787, which expands eligibility for full veteran status to men or women who have served in the Army Reserves for at least 20 years, whether or not that time was spent on active duty. Currently, such individuals are eligible for reservist retired military pay and benefits, but not the full range of veterans benefits, despite their long service to the nation.

For more information about Congresswoman Matsui's work in Congress, please visit www.matsui.house.gov.