House Passes Bills to Honor America’s Veterans: A Congressional Thank You for Memorial Day

Washington, D.C. – On May 19, 2009, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner (D-CA) announced that a package of bills to honor our nation’s veterans passed the House of Representatives.  The action comes as the nation prepares to honor and remember our fallen heroes on Memorial Day weekend. 

H.Res. 360 – Urging all Americans and people of all nationalities to visit the national cemeteries, memorials, and markers on Memorial Day (Roe)

“This Memorial Day, Members of the House came together to show our support for our veterans and their families,” said Chairman Filner.  “While we can never fully repay our nation’s veterans for their service and sacrifice, we must, at a minimum, do our very best to ensure that they are properly cared for when they return home.  Our nation has a proud legacy of appreciation and gratitude to the men and women who have worn the uniform in defense of this country.  I encourage patriotic Americans to reach out and support the brave service members, veterans, and their families, many who are mourning the loss of one of their own or have loved ones far from home.” 

Three of the bills approved by the House of Representatives strengthen the protections and benefits for returning veterans. 

H.R. 1088 – Mandatory Veteran Specialist Training Act of 2009 (Herseth Sandlin)

This bill reduces from three years to one year the period during which a disabled veterans’ outreach program specialist or a local veterans’ employment representative must complete the training program provided by the National Veterans’ Employment and Training Services Institute.

H.R. 1089, as amended – Veterans Employment Rights Realignment Act of 2009 (Herseth Sandlin)

This bill allows the U.S. Office of Special Counsel to receive and investigate certain USERRA claims containing a related prohibited personnel practice allegation.  The bill was introduced to respond to hearing testimony from veterans and results of a pilot program showing that the U.S. Office of Special Counsel was equipped to handle these cases.

H.R. 1170, as amended – To establish a grant program to encourage the development of new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing (Boozman)

This bill directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make grants to encourage the development of new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing for disabled veterans. Grant amounts would be limited to $200,000 annually per recipient.