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Veterans
I believe our government has a special responsibility to recognize the immeasurable debt of gratitude our veterans are owed for their service to our country and the sacrifices they've made to preserve our freedom.
That is why I will continue fighting in Congress to ensure quality health care and economic stability for those Americans who have stood selflessly in harm’s way to preserve our most fundamental freedoms.
One of my top commitments is to support and keep our promises to these heroic men and women, and their families.
Outpatient Clinics to Central Kentucky
Bringing new veterans' outpatient facilities to Central Kentucky has been one of my top priorities. That is why I worked with the Veterans’ Administration to get localized health care facilities for veterans in Central Kentucky.
In May of 2007, Veterans' Administration Secretary Nicholson authorized the development of new community-based outpatient clinics in Daviess and Grayson counties. Upon completion in 2008, these two clinics will offer routine health care services including annual physicals, laboratory work, immunizations, and prescriptions.
Congressman Lewis addressing Veterans on Memorial Day in Daviess County
Protecting Our Veterans Against Paying Attorneys' Fees
In March, I introduced the Veterans' Benefits Protection Act. This legislation repeals provisions that allow attorneys to collect fees from veterans in need of assistance. Veterans should not be paying legal fees to receive benefits they are owed by the government. A verteran should be able to focus on paying for medicine and other daily necessities and never need to devote a portion of benefits that are owed to pay for legal fees. I am grateful to the Disabled American Veterans for endorsing this bill.
Learn more about the Veterans' Protection Act
New Benefits for Families of Veterans
In the last few years, I have worked closely with member of the Armed Services Committee to pass legislation to provide full concurrent disability and retirement payments to disabled military retirees. In the 110th Congress, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 303, The Retired Pay Restoration Act. This legislation allows the receipt of both military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation with respect to any service-connected disability. This bill also eliminates the phase in period under current law so that both benefits are fully restored.
