Take Care of America's Veterans Act
Floor Speech
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Mr. MEUSER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bost for his leadership.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Take Care of America's Veterans Act. Our veterans answered the call to serve, sacrificed on behalf of this country, and defended the freedoms every American enjoys.
They have earned a Department of Veterans Affairs that delivers the care, benefits, and support that they were promised without unnecessary delays or bureaucratic obstacles, and that includes community care, Mr. Speaker. That is one of the aversions and obstacles and reasons for opposition because Democrats are pretty much against community care initiatives.
This bipartisan package brings together more than 60 commonsense proposals that truly make this happen. And by the way, it is supported by The American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, Wounded Warrior Project, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Korean War Veterans Association, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, Gold Star Spouses of America, and the list goes on.
Very importantly, it includes the Major Richard Star Act. Voting against this bill is voting against the Major Richard Star Act, which ends the unfair wounded veterans tax for eligible combat-injured retirees. These veterans were medically retired because their service was cut short by injuries sustained defending our country. They should not be forced to give up a portion of their military retirement pay simply because they also receive VA disability compensation. This bill corrects that injustice.
It also strengthens access to community care, as mentioned, and mental health treatment. It allows military widows to remarry and maintain their benefits. It cuts through the VA red tape and strengthens the claims appeals processes. This is not about a cutting of benefits. It is about advancing services with some modernization initiatives, as well.
We owe our veterans more than the words of gratitude. We owe them this action. We owe them the Take Care of America's Veterans Act.
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