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The VFW's Capitol Hill blog was recently disabled because of a system-wide problem with Google. In the meantime, we created a temporary blog where veterans and advocates can learn about the VFW's ongoing work on Capitol Hill. The issue has since been resolved. You can once again visit the VFW's Capitol Hill blog at: http://thevfw.blogspot.com

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Field Report: North Dakota VFW Calls on Congress to Stop Benefit Cuts

During the Easter congressional recess, leaders from the VFW Department of North Dakota participated in a roundtable discussion on veterans’ issues with Rep. Rick Berg, R-N.D., and staff members for Sens. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., and John Hoeven, R-N.D.

John Hanson, a past VFW state commander and current member of the VFW National Legislative Committee, discussed VFW’s “10 for 10” list of military benefits and quality-of-life programs that the Administration and Congress have put on the chopping block, explaining why the budget cuts cannot happen. He called on the North Dakota congressional delegation to offer a united voice in support of veterans and the military community when they return to Washington.

During the roundtable, participants also discussed rural health for veterans, funding for post-traumatic stress, support for the children and families of deployed service members, the deep VA disability claims backlog, veterans’ homelessness, and funding for veterans’ outreach.

Congressman Berg said that the U.S. House of Representatives this year has passed 13 pieces of legislation, four of which have been signed into law. Berg also said that North Dakota is home to thousands of veterans who he is proud to represent. He explained that the VA needs to be able to meet the medical and mental healthcare needs of all returning service members, and that they cannot waiver in their support to properly care for veterans.

Hanson said he and the North Dakota VFW will continue to work with their congressman and senators to meet the needs of service members, veterans and their families.

To submit your Field Reports for consideration on the VFW’s Capitol Hill blog, simply fill out our online form here, or send photos and stories directly to vfwac@vfw.org. Information for this story was provided by VFW National Legislative Committee member John Hanson.

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1 comment:

  1. Everybody is talking about cuts to the military, not only do we have Soldiers returning home and there in the need of help and the familie's. What about the familie's of this soldiers who didn't come home. What about there benifits ??? I am a widow of an fallen soldier and some of the benifits I don't get. I have to pay for health care, also I have to pay for dental for me and my daughter who is the daughter of my husband who was KIA. Or the space a flights my 4 year old daughter can use it but I can't , but she needs to have a parent with her if she would fly !!! Our Gov. Needs to stop cutting on the Military and Vetrans. They deserve so much more then that. Our country owns them for everything they have done for our freedom !!!!!!!

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