Aug. 1, 2007
Rahall Fights for Veterans Rights; Testifies in Support of Legislation to Extend Pension Benefits to More Vets
By HNN Staff
from Rahall news release
Washington, DC (HNN) -- U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-WV, testified on Tuesday, July 31 before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs in support of two bills he has authored to extend eligibility for full pension benefits to veterans who are currently denied them.
“Too often, when these young men and women return home from service, we do not honor their bravery with the full measure of respect and gratitude that it deserves. I believe we should take this opportunity to help ensure that our veterans, regardless of the timeframe of their service, receive appropriate recognition and benefits,” Rahall said.
Rahall’s first bill, H.R. 1900, will extend pension benefits to veterans who have been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. His second bill, H.R. 1901, will extend pension benefits to veterans who have served in Korea, Lebanon, Grenada, and Panama.
“Under current law, veterans may only meet eligibility requirements to draw a full pension if they have served in combat during a declared period of war. While this method was sufficient for the majority of veterans who served in America’s 20th century engagements, America’s evolving role in conflicts abroad has necessitated the expansion and adaptation of our veterans benefits programs, including those pertaining to pensions,” Rahall added.
Rahall’s testimony came one day after House passage of legislation he cosponsored, H.R. 23, he Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007, which will recognize the service of thousands of merchant seamen who served during World War II, but were not considered “official” members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and therefore are denied “active duty” benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
H.R. 23 will provide a monthly benefit of $1,000 to those merchant seaman who served between the periods of December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, as a crew member aboard a vessel that was operated by the now defunct War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation; did not operate on inland waters, the Great Lakes, or any U.S. lake, bay, or harbor; was under contract to, was charter to, or was the property of, the U.S. government; and was serving the U.S. Armed Forces or their survivors.
“Merchant Marines suffered the second highest casualty rates during World War II, and I applaud the House for finally correcting a mistake that has lingered for over 50 years by passing legislation to recognize these veterans and provide them with the benefits that they deserve,” said Rahall. “As Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower said in 1944, ‘when final victory is ours there is no organization that will share its credit more deservedly than the Merchant Marine.’”
Additionally, Rahall helped pass H.R.1315, H.R. 2874, and H.R. 2623 that will increase funding for financial and housing assistance, readjustment programs, rural transportation programs, and mental health services for veterans, as well as prohibiting co-payments for veterans' hospice care.
“Today truly has been a victory for veterans in West Virginia and across our country,” continued Rahall. “I am gratified to have my own legislation and the bills I have cosponsored advancing to bring much-deserved recognition, admiration, and benefits to these brave men and women that have served our nation in uniform.”
Rahall Fights for Veterans Rights; Testifies in Support of Legislation to Extend Pension Benefits to More Vets
By HNN Staff
from Rahall news release
Washington, DC (HNN) -- U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-WV, testified on Tuesday, July 31 before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs in support of two bills he has authored to extend eligibility for full pension benefits to veterans who are currently denied them.
“Too often, when these young men and women return home from service, we do not honor their bravery with the full measure of respect and gratitude that it deserves. I believe we should take this opportunity to help ensure that our veterans, regardless of the timeframe of their service, receive appropriate recognition and benefits,” Rahall said.
Rahall’s first bill, H.R. 1900, will extend pension benefits to veterans who have been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. His second bill, H.R. 1901, will extend pension benefits to veterans who have served in Korea, Lebanon, Grenada, and Panama.
“Under current law, veterans may only meet eligibility requirements to draw a full pension if they have served in combat during a declared period of war. While this method was sufficient for the majority of veterans who served in America’s 20th century engagements, America’s evolving role in conflicts abroad has necessitated the expansion and adaptation of our veterans benefits programs, including those pertaining to pensions,” Rahall added.
Rahall’s testimony came one day after House passage of legislation he cosponsored, H.R. 23, he Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007, which will recognize the service of thousands of merchant seamen who served during World War II, but were not considered “official” members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and therefore are denied “active duty” benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
H.R. 23 will provide a monthly benefit of $1,000 to those merchant seaman who served between the periods of December 7, 1941, and December 31, 1946, as a crew member aboard a vessel that was operated by the now defunct War Shipping Administration or the Office of Defense Transportation; did not operate on inland waters, the Great Lakes, or any U.S. lake, bay, or harbor; was under contract to, was charter to, or was the property of, the U.S. government; and was serving the U.S. Armed Forces or their survivors.
“Merchant Marines suffered the second highest casualty rates during World War II, and I applaud the House for finally correcting a mistake that has lingered for over 50 years by passing legislation to recognize these veterans and provide them with the benefits that they deserve,” said Rahall. “As Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower said in 1944, ‘when final victory is ours there is no organization that will share its credit more deservedly than the Merchant Marine.’”
Additionally, Rahall helped pass H.R.1315, H.R. 2874, and H.R. 2623 that will increase funding for financial and housing assistance, readjustment programs, rural transportation programs, and mental health services for veterans, as well as prohibiting co-payments for veterans' hospice care.
“Today truly has been a victory for veterans in West Virginia and across our country,” continued Rahall. “I am gratified to have my own legislation and the bills I have cosponsored advancing to bring much-deserved recognition, admiration, and benefits to these brave men and women that have served our nation in uniform.”
