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HVAC Approves Child Custody Protections, Bill to Consolidate Vet Programs

The House Veterans Affairs Committee (HVAC) approved the FRA-supported   “Servicemember Family Protection Act” (H.R. 4201), sponsored by Representatives Michael Turner (Ohio) and Rob Andrews (N.J.). The bill seeks to amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by protecting child custody arrangements for parents who are deployed in support of a contingency operation. Shipmates are urged to use the FRA Action Center to contact their representative on this important issue.

The HVAC also approved the “Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act” (H.R. 4072), sponsored by HVAC Chairman Rep. Jeff Miller (Fla.). The bill seeks to transfer all veterans' job training, counseling and rehabilitation, as well as homeless reintegration programs from different agencies to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Other provisions of the bill include authorizing the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) at locations other than military installations in five states and adjusting the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for veterans to the same percentage as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), eliminating the need for annual legislation beginning in 2014. The measure awaits action in the House Budget Committee.