Voted in favor of H.R. 3329, the Homes for Heroes Act. This bill would provide 20,000 housing vouchers to homeless veterans and establish a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans have sufficient access to HUD housing assistance programs. According to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, more than 154,000 veterans are homeless in our country on any given night.
Applauded the Department of Veterans Affairs decision to establish a new Veterans Outpatient Clinic in Emporia, Virginia. The community-based outpatient clinic will significantly reduce travel distance to the nearest VA hospital and increase access to health care for veterans across the Fourth Congressional District. The state-of-the-art clinic, which is the first of its kind in the Fourth District, will focus not only on providing primary treatment but also prevention of disease, early detection, and health promotion. “This is very exciting news for veterans and for the Fourth District," said Congressman Forbes. "This veteran’s outpatient clinic will make quality health care much more accessible to veterans in the Fourth District. We have worked closely with veterans across the Fourth District and with the Department of Veterans Affairs officials on this issue for quite awhile, and it is exciting to see the much-needed facility finally begin to come to fruition. As a country, it our privilege and our duty to honor our nation's veterans and see that the commitments we have made to them are carried out." The Emporia clinic is scheduled to be activated in the next 24 months.
Supported passage of H.R. 2818, the Veterans' Epilepsy Treatment Act of 2008, which would establish five “Epilepsy Centers of Excellence” to perform research, education, and clinical care related to epilepsy. Today, there are nearly 89,000 veterans that suffer from epilepsy, most notably because the increased use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has caused traumatic brain injuries, which is thought to be a factor in the development of epilepsy.
Supported passage of H.Res. 1231, which expresses support for the goals and ideals of Vietnam Veterans Day. Vietnam Veterans Day was created to recognize and remember the Americans who sacrificed their lives or their health in the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was the longest military conflict in United States history. More than 58,000 brave Americans lost their lives and 304,000 were wounded while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Supported H.R. 4044, the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008. This bill provides a temporary exemption from the Chapter 7 bankruptcy means-test for Guardsmen and Reservists who have served on active duty for 90 days since September 11, 2001.
Supported Amendment #2 to H.R. 2642, the Supplemental Appropriations Bill of 2008. This amendment expanded GI bill veterans’ education benefits to provide tuition sufficient to cover the cost of a four year college for members of the Armed Forces who served on active duty after September 11, 2001 for at least three years. Additionally, the amendment permits these education benefits to be transferred to spouses and dependents. The measure also included a 13-week extension of unemployment insurance for all states, and postponed six Medicaid regulations proposed by the Bush Administration.
Supported the Senate Amendments to H.R. 634, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act. This bill would require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of veterans who became disabled while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.
Supported S. 1692, to grant a Federal Charter to the Korean War Veterans Association, Incorporated. This bill will give nonprofit status to an organization that is dedicated to serving the interests of veterans of the Korean War.
Supported H. Res. 1235, which expressing support for National D-Day Remembrance Day. D-Day was June 6, 1944, and reopened a Western front against the Germans in World War II through a beach assault at Normandy, France. The D-Day assault, codenamed Operation Overlord, was the most extensive amphibious invasion ever to occur, and involved 5,000 ships, over 11,000 sorties of Allied aircraft, and 150,000 American, British, and Canadian troops on the first day of the operation. American troops suffered significant losses during the assault, including over 6,500 casualties. The resolution before the House expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that June 6 should be recognized as a National D-Day Remembrance Day.
Supported H. Con. Res. 336, honoring the sacrifices and contributions made by disabled American veterans. There are approximately 2.8 million veterans whose disabilities were sustained while defending our Nation. Those disabled veterans are entitled to benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The resolution recognizes the great sacrifices made by disabled veterans and their families and calls on the people of the United States to honor all disabled American veterans and the freedom for which they sacrificed.
Voted in favor of adding a provision to H.R. 5658 that would expand GI benefits. The proposal would allow veterans to transfer GI bill benefits to their spouse or children and would also increase GI benefits to $1,500 per month, and as much as $2,000 per month after 12 years of service. The GI bill provides money for servicemen and women to attend college after serving our nation. The measure failed to pass 186 – 223.
Voted in favor of H.R. 3819, the Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007, which would reimburse disabled veterans for the cost of emergency treatment received at a non-Department of Veterans Affairs hospital.
Voted in favor of H.R. 5826, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008, which would increase the rates of veterans’ disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children, and other allowances and compensation for our nation’s veterans.
Cosponsored H.Con.Res. 336, a resolution that honors our nations’ disabled veterans for their unique sacrifices and contributions.
Supported House passage of H.R. 6048, which provides parents who are members of the Armed Forces deployed overseas protection for current child custody orders. More specifically, this legislation would preclude the court from entering an order modifying or amending a previous child custody judgment, except if there is clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child. Furthermore, it would prohibit any court from considering a member's absence due to deployment, or possible deployment, in support of a contingency operation in determining the best interest of the child.
Voted in favor of H.R. 3681, the Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2007, which allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to advertise in media outlets across the country to increase awareness of benefits available to veterans who have served our country.
Supported House passage of H.R. 5554, the Veterans Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008, which would ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs provides access to care and treatment for substance abuse disorders to veterans. The measure also would provide outreach to veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom who may be at risk for substance abuse disorders.
Cosponsored H.R. 5868, the Caleb Martin-Travis Dodson Wounded Warrior Retention Act, which would allow those members of the Armed Forces who would otherwise be retired or separated due to a combat-related disability to continue to serve in the military so if they are able to medically perform noncombat-related military duties.
Attended Virginia Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) annual Congressional Appreciation Luncheon. The luncheon was for the members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation for their leadership and support of veterans, military retirees and active military force issues. MOAA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan veteran’s organization, which represents regular and reserve association members from the seven uniformed services. MOAA’s main mission is to provide assistance to military personnel on career transition and military benefits issues.
Attended a Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) reception and award presentation of the Congressional Service Award. MOAA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan veteran’s organization representing regular and reserve association members from the seven uniformed services. MOAA’s main mission is to provide assistance to military personnel on career transition and military benefits issues. Congressman Forbes later met with retired Army Colonel Sam Wilder, the legislative chair for the Virginia Council of Chapters for MOAA, to discuss improvement of the disability ratings system for our veterans.
Supported House passage of H.R. 4116, which provides for the issuance of a veterans’ health care postage stamp. Proceeds from the stamp would go to veterans’ health care funding through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Supported H.R. 4169, the American Braille Flag Memorial Act, which allows the Army to place an American Braille tactile flag honoring blind members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and other Americans in Arlington National Cemetery.
Supported H. Res. 963, which supports the goals and ideals of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week. The goals for this week, February 11-15, 2008, include expressing appreciation for hospitalized veterans, increasing community awareness of the role of Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, and encouraging citizens to visit hospitalized veterans or become volunteers.
Visited the Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Richmond with the Secretary of the Army Pete Geren on Friday, December 14. The Secretary of the Army is the senior official of the Department of the Army and responsible for the effective and efficient functioning of the Army. The Congressman met with wounded soldiers and doctors at the polytrauma unit at the hospital. VAMC – Richmond is one of only five VA hospitals in the country with a dedicated polytrauma unit to provide care and services to veterans who have been subject to multiple traumatic injuries.
Cosponsored H. Res. 111, which would establish a Select Committee on POW and MIA Affairs. The select committee would consist of Members of Congress, and would conduct a full investigation of all unresolved matters relating to any United States personnel unaccounted for from the Vietnam era, the Korean conflict, World War II, Cold War Missions, or Gulf War, including MIA's and POW's.
Cosponsored H.Con.Res. 32, honoring the members of the United States Air Force who were killed in the June 25, 1996 terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers United States military housing compound near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The resolution honors the legacy of the brave men and women who died in defense of our nation and calls upon every American to pause and pay tribute to those brave airmen.
Cosponsored H.Res. 753 to honor the Soldiers and Officers of “PO Box 1142.” From 1942 through the end of World War II, a top secret Military Intelligence Service operated clandestinely on the shores of the Potomac River. Known only by its mailing address, Post Office Box 1142, the men at this post provided the military with intelligence that brought an end to the war and gave the U.S. the early advantage in the Cold War. Throughout the war and in its aftermath, the post interrogated nearly 4,000 of the most important German prisoners of war. PO Box 1142 uncovered intelligence on the atomic bomb, the jet engine and the V-2 rocket. It wasn’t until National Park Service Rangers uncovered declassified documents that the operations of PO Box 1142 finally came into public light.
Supported H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007, which would guarantee that members of our military are allowed to keep their signing bonus and other bonuses they were entitled to if they are discharged from military service because of injuries sustained in combat. The bill was cosponsored by Congressman Forbes and passed the House unanimously on December 18, 2007. Numerous soldiers who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan were sent bills from the Army demanding the recoupment of their military signing bonuses. These soldiers were told that this was based on their inability to complete their military service obligation, even though it was combat related injuries that led to their dismissal.
Supported H.R. 3997, The Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007, which modernizes the tax code to meet the tax code challenges faced by service members. This legislation permanently extends the opportunity for service members to treat combat pay as earned income for the purposes of the earned income credit. Combat pay is otherwise exempt from Federal taxes, which can lead service members income to be artificially low in calculations for the earned income credit. The bill would also allow life insurance payments paid to survivors of military members to be contributed to a Roth IRA or a education savings account.
Signed a letter to Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs asking him to ensure all veterans are afforded the opportunity to have the 13-fold flag recitation at their funerals. The recitation, a long tradition in the military, accompanies each fold to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our veterans, their families, the United States, and the beliefs they hold dear. After banning the recitation because of references to "God" and religion, the Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs reversed course on November 2, 2007 after the letter was sent. The Secretary issued a directive that restored this right to the surviving family of any veteran who wished to have the recitation included in the burial of their loved one.
Voted in favor of H. Res 680, which condemns all attacks upon the memory of veterans and their service to the United States, such as the incident of vandalism of September 7, 2007, at the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial, Washington, D.C.
Cosponsored H.R. 1589, the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act, which allows the spouses of combat-wounded veterans who received Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for their injuries the ability to receive the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities they would have previously been entitled to, had it not been for the DIC payments. Currently, spouses of combat-wounded veterans who get DIC receive reduced pension benefits in the event the former military member passes away. The current reduction in benefits is equal to the amount of DIC payments.
Cosponsored H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act, which fixes a policy error that led to service members who were discharged from the military due to a combat-related injury subsequently losing part of their enlistment bonus. The current policy prohibits bonuses from being paid in full to service members unless their entire military obligation is fulfilled. The President’s Commission on Care for our Nation’s Returning Wounded Warriors, co-chaired by former Senator Bob Dole and former Secretary Donna Shalala, found that the Department of Defense (DoD) is unfairly penalizing our nation’s wounded veterans by not providing them with their full enlistment bonuses. This legislation would require the DoD to provide veterans who have been discharged due to combat-related wounds with the full payment of any and all remaining bonuses within 30 days of discharge. The Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act is supported by Disabled American Veterans, the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
Cosponsored H.Res. 542, a resolution which recognizes the invaluable contributions of the National Guard. The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States and one of the nation's longest enduring institutions. Guardsmen contributed significantly to our nation’s efforts in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Currently, the National Guard is playing a key role in Afghanistan and Iraq. As of July 31, 2007, 242,271 Guardsmen had been deployed to these two countries.
Signed a letter to Speaker Pelosi urging House Leadership to bring the FY 2008 Veterans spending bill for a final vote before the new fiscal year begins. The Veterans Bill, H.R. 2642, is one of three spending bills this year passed by both the House and Senate. In order for veterans programs to receive full funding at the beginning of the new fiscal year, the differences between the two bills must be reconciled and then voted on in each chamber of Congress before October 1st.
Cosponsored H.R. 23, a Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007, which directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to certain honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served during World War II, including those who served in the Army and Navy Transport Services.
Cosponsored and voted to support H.Res. 663, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day. In 1899, veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection, upset by the poor treatment they received following their return from America’s first major overseas conflicts, established organizations to advocate for the rights and benefits then denied to the veterans of these foreign conflicts. In 1914, these veterans’ organizations, recognizing their common goals and the importance of unity, merged to form the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW). In the 108 years since the VFW’s founding, members have proudly carried on the organization’s mission of “ensuring rights, remembering sacrifices, promoting patriotism, performing community services and advocating for a strong national defense.” The VFW has effectively advocated for our nation’s veterans, to include helping establish the present-day Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), working to enact the Montgomery G.I. Bill, developing the national cemetery system, and helping wounded combat veterans receive compensation for injuries received in service to our nation.
Voted in favor of H.R. 2642, Military Construction and Veteran's Affairs Appropriations Act of 2008, which would fund the Department of Veterans Affairs at a record $43.2 billion. The legislation represents the largest increase for veterans since the VA was created. Military construction would also receive $21.4 billion, which is $207 million more than requested and $5.1 billion over the current year's funding. The measure also completely funds the Army's 2008 Base Realignment and Closure account.
Received information from the Department of Defense on the number of retired Veterans living in the Fourth Congressional District. According to the Department of Defense, more than 16,000 retired veterans who have served 20 years or more live in the Fourth District, which ranks 8th out of the 435 Congressional Districts. As a Commonwealth, Virginia is home to more than 5% of all retired veterans in the United States.
Supported H.R. 67, the Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007, legislation that would establish grants for state and local veterans outreach programs to ensure veterans are aware of their benefits and available services.
Supported H.R. 612, the Returning Servicemember Veterans Affairs Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007, legislation that would extend the term of free healthcare for returning service members from two years to five years - a change that is intended to help veterans who may have health problems that do not become apparent until well after their military discharge.
Supported H.R. 1470, the Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act, which mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to have chiropractic care available at 75 Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers by 2009 and all VA medical centers by 2011. Previous legislation requires the VA to provide chiropractic services at its medical facilities, but the VA had not implemented the practice quickly.
Supported H.R. 2199, the Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007, legislation that would authorize new research centers for traumatic brain injury and a comprehensive program for treating traumatic brain injuries at health centers operated by the VA.
Supported H.R. 2239, the Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act, legislation that would extend eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits to severely disabled servicemembers not yet discharged from the military.
Met with members of the Virginia Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) to discuss servicemember pay and military health care benefits. MOAA is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing military officers in the U.S. MOAA has a national membership of approximately 362,000 members from every branch of military service, with nearly 44,000 MOAA members in Virginia.
Cosponsored H.R. 711, the Troops to Teachers Improvement Act, which will expand the amount of eligible schools for the Troops-to-Teachers program. This program provides assistance for retiring military personnel to become teachers in school districts with a lack of teachers or a large low-income population. Through this program, over 10,000 veterans have brought important areas of expertise such as math, science, and foreign language to the nation's classrooms since its beginning in 1993.
Voted in favor of H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act, which passed the House of Representatives. This legislation ensures that soldiers receive adequate care and would improve the oversight of facilities, procedures and outpatient care services. This legislation sets the stage for much needed reform of administrative processes and is an important step toward eliminating delays and improving care for our wounded soldiers throughout the entire recovery process.
Cosponsored to H.R. 1110, which would permit federal, civilian and military retirees to pay federal health care premiums on a pretax basis. Currently, employees in the public and private sectors are able to pay for health insurance with pretax dollars. This benefit is referred to as a "premium conversion plan." The tax code, however, does not provide authority for employers to make premium conversion benefits available to their retirees. This legislation would address that need. The bill would also provide a tax deduction for supplemental premiums or enrollment fees for TRICARE, the military's health care insurance program.
Cosponsored H.R. 303, The Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2007, which would eliminate the phase-in period for previously passed legislation that provides concurrent compensation of both retirement and disability benefits for military retirees with 50% or more service-connected disability. Congressman Forbes supports pay of both retirement and disability compensation for military retirees with a disability.
Cosponsored H.R. 784, a bill to benefit the nation's retired veterans paying into the Survivor Benefit Program (SBP). Congress approved a bill eight years ago, which will become effective in 2008, and authorizes retired service members who reach the age of 70 and have paid SBP premiums for at least 30 years to enter a "paid-up" status. This status ends their obligation to pay premiums at that time but still retains the benefit for their surviving spouse upon their death. This bill moves the effective date to October 1, 2007.
Cosponsored H.R. 440, the Medal of Honor Gold Content Act of 2007. The Medal of Honor, the highest honor bestowed to the nation's finest men and women in uniform, is not made of gold, but is a brass-plated medallion. This legislation would direct the military to make the Medal of Honor in gold, creating a true symbol of gratitude, valor and respect to the recipients, who, more often than not, have given their lives in service to our country. Only two Medals of Honor have been awarded during the conflict in Iraq.
