"This landmark legislation confirms that the 106th Congress has been productive in working to keep the promises we made to veterans when they enlisted," said Rep. Jones. “This bill improves the quality of care for our veterans, while helping the VA to retain and recruit the high-quality health personnel it needs to provide that care.  Further, the enhanced educational benefits will help reward those who have served and hopefully will be an added benefit to those who might serve.  This legislation is just one of many major steps that we have taken to put our Nation's veterans first.”

S. 1402 combines a number of veterans bills recommended by the House and the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees.   The legislation makes numerous changes to the veterans health care system and increases educational benefits to veterans under the Montgomery GI Bill, and other programs. Another provision would allow the use of up to $2,000 of VA education benefits to go towards civilian licensing or certification examination.

The measure would also allow for an annual pay raise to Veterans’ Affairs nurses and increased pay to other VA medical personnel, including dentists. Finally, the legislation would allow access to VA disability benefits for those who suffer a heart attack or stroke during guard and reserve inactive training.  

 The Veterans Benefits and Health Care Improvement Act of 2000 will be sent to the White House, and awaits the President’s signature.