Government Shutdown Aborted:
Except for military and emergency services, the federal government was shut down for a couple of days by Senator Schumer. Whether Congress will be able to put political differences aside is uncertain. Also uncertain is whether a new shutdown would replicate the 16-day shutdown in 2013. The VFW, along with other organizations, has worked tirelessly to shield VA from future shutdowns. That means healthcare facilities will remain open, new appointments will still be made, disability and compensation payments will be paid, and veterans will still be buried. More information will be known after the Feb. 8 date unfolds.
Senate Hearing on State of VA:
The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing to discuss VA’s implementation of recent legislation enacted into law. VA reported that 13 provisions of the Forever GI Bill have been implemented and that it is working to ensure veterans impacted by GI Bill changes are properly informed about their new benefits. VA also reported that three percent of veterans offered the opportunity to participate in the Rapid Appeals Modernization Program (RAMP) have elected to participate. VA claims that 75 percent of veterans who have participated in the RAMP pilot program, which is designed to expedite the claims appeal process, have received favorable rating decisions. Committee members sparred over different community care proposals being considered by the Senate. Secretary of Veterans Affairs David J. Shulkin agreed to send the committee official feedback on the different proposals. The VFW, along with 25 other veterans organizations, supports S. 2193, the Caring for Our Veterans Act of 2017, which would improve VA community care and finally expand the caregiver program to veterans of all eras.
National Commission on Military, National and Public Service: VFW National Legislative Service Deputy Director John Towles attended the inaugural meeting of the newly established National Commission on Military, National and Public Service. The result of the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act, the 11-member commission is tasked with reviewing the current military selective service (military draft), and providing recommendations to Congress and the administration concerning ways to increase interest and public participation in military and public service among young Americans. The commission is comprised of former and current senior government officials, including Congressman Joseph Heck; Deborah Wada, former assistant secretary of the Army Manpower and Reserve Affairs; Edward Allard, former COO of the Selective Service System; and the honorable Janine Davidson, former under- secretary of the Navy. Learn more about the commission and its mission (www.inspire2serve.gov).
House Holds Veteran Homelessness Hearing:
The House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittees on Health and Economic Opportunity held a hearing aimed at discussing the current situation of veteran homelessness and the way forward. Since 2009, the rate of veteran homelessness has been reduced by nearly 50 percent. With three states and 57 communities virtually ending veteran homelessness within their borders, efforts between VA, the Department of Labor, and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have clearly been successful. Subcommittee members asked questions regarding the success of VA’s Housing First plan and the holistic nature of case workers for programs such as HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH). Witnesses agreed that such programs are highly successful in working toward a “functional zero” and in assuring veterans who overcome homelessness do not become homeless again. Also in question was VA’s intent to divert funding from the HUD-VASH program. VA assured the subcommittees that its intent was never to cut all funding to the program, but to assure more funding would be available where and when necessary.
Veterans, Active Duty Members and Civilians:
What were the Democrats thinking when they sided with the illegals and forgot about our veterans, active service members and our National Defense, when they voted to close down our government? Remember who to vote for when the next election rolls around. I attended the District 1 Military Ball at Verdi’s catering hall in Westbury on Sunday, Jan. 21. Our state commander was also present. A good time was had by all.
