Weekly Column

     This Veterans Day, all Oklahomans have even more appreciation for the many men and women who have sacrificed so much by choosing to serve in the United States military. During a congressional trip to Iraq, I viewed first-hand the danger and difficulty that troops undertake while they defend our freedom and security. Just recently, Oklahoma had a stark reminder of this danger when a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook transport helicopter was shot down killing and wounding Ft Sill Soldiers. Six of these brave young men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and security. On this Veterans Day I will join millions across the U.S. in honoring our veterans whose courage, strength and sense of duty benefits each one of us.

     I take all issues dealing with America’s military retirees very seriously.  It is because of the unselfish action of a few that we can enjoy our way of life today.  This year the 108th Congress has been working very hard to make sure our veterans receive the benefits they deserve. Earlier this year, I voted to provide $60.7 billion for veterans spending.  That represents a 4.5 percent increase over last year.  I believe Congress can and should do more.  I am working with House leadership and other colleagues to make sure we meet the needs of America's veterans.

     I am also committed to fully funding President Bush’s initiative to reduce and eliminate the claims backlog at the Veterans Benefits Administration.  All veterans deserve to receive their benefits in a timely and consistent manner, and clearing the current backlog will help us reach this goal.  I will continue to support the measures to increase veterans funding that have yet to be considered during this Congress.

     I have also continued to work toward bettering veteran's benefits through other pieces of legislation.  For example, on June 24, 2003, I voted for H.R. 1460.  This bill, the Veterans Entreprenuership and Benefits Improvement Act of 2003, is legislation to improve the education and entrepreneurship benefits, housing benefits, and other various benefits for veterans.  In addition, I voted for H.R. 1911 of May 21, 2003.  H.R. 1911 is legislation to enhance the cooperation and sharing of resources between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.  

      The most noteworthy accomplishment for veterans this year is a landmark agreement to provide concurrent receipt for more disabled veterans than have ever before been covered by law. Included in the Department of Defense Authorization Report, this plan will benefit over 250,000 veterans beginning in January of 2004. Currently, disabled veterans’ retirement benefits are offset by the amount of disability coverage they would receive.  The Department of Defense bill seeks to rectify that situation. 

    The concurrent receipt plan that passed in the Department of Defense Authorization Conference Report continues to provide full concurrent receipt to all purple heart veterans who are retired after 20 years and who have a VA disability rating of 10% – 100%. Under current law, combat-related special compensation (CRSC) veterans 60% disabled and above have full concurrent receipt. This plan will expand full concurrent to all CRSC veterans with a VA disability rating of 10% – 100%. This will increase those eligible for concurrent receipt from about 32,000 to over 250,000. It will expand full concurrent receipt to all combat-related special compensation veterans and retired National Guard and reservists with a VA disability rating of 10% – 100%. Under current law, none of the remaining non-combat related disabled military retirees receive concurrent receipt. This plan establishes full concurrent receipt to the most disabled non-combat related military retirees 50% disabled and above (50 – 100% disabled). This will be phased in over 10 years with payment beginning in January of 2004. This legislation will establish a 13-member, bipartisan Blue Ribbon Commission to review the current VA disability system and make recommendations to ensure the system adequately compensates veterans for disabilities they may incur as a result of their service.

     On a personal note my late grandfather and father were career military men. My late uncle served 3 1/2 years in a Japanese prison camp after he was captured in the Philippines. My brother is an Air Force veteran. I will reflect on the sacrifice all these men made so all Americans could be free and secure.