WASHINGTON, D.C. - As American troops push further into Iraq, Representative Joe Baca (D-Rialto) has introduced legislation aimed at honoring the commitment and sacrifice that the men and women of the armed forces have made and continue to make on behalf of the nation.

Baca has introduced legislation that would benefit thousands of our nation's veterans who have pending claims for federal benefits. There are currently over 25 million veterans in America, many of whom are over the age of 70 years old. Over 450,000 veterans have pending claims for federal benefits, 100,000 of which have been in the system for over a year without resolution.

"As a nation we have an obligation to provide the benefits and services that our veterans have earned through their honorable service," Baca said. "That is why I'm introducing the Department of Veterans Affairs Claims Backlog Reduction Act of 2003. It will tell our veterans that a promise made is a promise kept."

H.R. 1264 would require the Department to refer old claims to the nearest county Veterans Service Officers Office (CVSO). Once the CVSO receives the claim, the bill would require the CVSO officer to make personal contact with the veteran, dependent, or spouse and develop the claim. The CVSO would then submit the claim to the Department indicating that the claim is ready to be dispensed with. Allowing the CVSO to date stamp and develop the claim, the claims process would be streamlined, allowing the veteran's, dependent's, or spouses claim to be processed more efficiently. With more efficient processing would come reduction of the claims backlog.

Baca has also introduced legislation to require the use of 90 percent gold in the Medal of Honor, which is the nation's highest honor for combat valor. The bill would require the use of gold instead of gold-plated brass, as is currently used in the medal.

"It is disconcerting that our most valued veterans receive a $30 Medal of Honor while foreign dignitaries, famous singers, and other civilians receive medals worth $30,000," Baca said. "H.R. 1172 would bring greater honor and prestige to the Medal of Honor by giving recipients a medal made out of solid gold."

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the cost per medal would be $2,300 if the Medal were made out of gold. The total cost of the bill would be $2 million for a five-year period, during which the new medals would be designed, produced and stockpiled. Also, only twenty medals have been awarded since 1979, and only one military Medal of Honor has been awarded in the past three years.

"During this time of war, it is even more crucial to properly recognize those are fighting for our country and who have sacrificed their lives in defense of our nation," Baca said. "We have always been able to count on the men and women of great courage who serve in our armed forces, and they should always be able to count on us."

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