As a veteran of World War II and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Congressman Dingell understands the importance of keeping our promises to those who have served to protect our nation from foreign threats.  For too many years, our returning soldiers were getting inadequate services from our government. He has been an outspoken champion for increased funding and benefits, and especially in recent years, he has fought to ensure veterans receive everything they were promised when they entered the service.

New Direction for Our Veterans
Since 2007, the year Democrats regained the majority in Congress, veterans have benefited from historic increases in funding for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) and a new understanding of the issues facing soldiers returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).  

In the fiscal year (FY) 2008 veterans appropriations legislation, Congress provided the VA $43.1 billion, which was a $3.7 billion above President Bush’s request and an increase of $6.6 billion above the 2007 level—making it the largest single increase in the 77-year history of the VA.

Congress again increased funding for the VA in 2009, by $4.5 billion above the FY 2008 level.  Again, this figure was well above President Bush’s request. 

Congressman John Dingell , World War II Veterans

The 111th Congress and President Obama
President Obama has presented a completely different tune on veterans policy.  For the first time in the 23 years, the President’s budget request was consistent with the recommendations of Independent Budget (IB), the report issued yearly by national veterans’ service organizations.    

The House and Senate issued a budget resolution for FY 2010 that veterans groups were proud to support.  On April 29, 2009, the House approved a resolution that provided for a $5.6 billion increase over FY 2009, an increase of 11.7 percent for veterans’ health care and other programs.

In addition, the recently enacted stimulus provides a $1.4 billion increase for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for maintenance at VA medical facilities, construction of veterans’ extended care facilities, and veteran cemetery repairs. The bill also provides economic stimulus payments of $250 to disabled veterans receiving VA compensation or pension.

Veterans’ Mental Health
OIF and OEF veterans are suffering in high numbers from cognitive impairments and mental health conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and major depression.  When they go untreated, these invisible wounds have detrimental effects on our soldiers, leading to problems within their families, difficulties finding and retaining employment, violent behavior, and possibly suicide.  It is imperative that soldiers feel comfortable seeking and receiving treatment, and have access to the proper services.  Further, it is essential that there is coordination of care between the Department of Defense and the VA.   That is why Congressman Dingell is a cosponsor of H.R. 1308, the Veterans Mental Health Screening and Assessment Act, which mandates one to one, confidential screenings for all service members completing deployment with a licensed mental health professional.  This Act will also require the Department of Defense and the VA to share information about mental health screenings in an effort to better research and address the rising rate of soldier suicides.

GI Bill for the 21st Century
During the 110th Congress, Congressman Dingell cosponsored legislation that gives all veterans who have served at least two years on active duty since 9/11 educational benefits equal to tuition, room and board and a $1,000 monthly stipend at the state’s most expensive public institution for four years.  In August 2009, these benefits will take effect and veterans are eligible and encouraged to sign up now.

Click here for detailed information on the GI Bill for the 21st Century.

Work for Our Veterans is Unfinished
Congressman Dingell takes pride in doing good work for our veterans and he understands that our work is not finished.  More needs to be and will be done to improve the VA health care system, help our veterans transition into civilian life and treat them with the mental health services they need, and afford them the opportunities for employment, education, and housing they deserve.  You can count on the Congressman to continue fighting for our veterans during the next Congress.  For more information on what the House of Representatives is doing for our veterans, visit the House Committee on Veterans Affairs website.