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5-18-2012

FRA Meets with House Minority Leader

FRA's Director of Legislative Programs John Davis and representatives from 24 other military and veterans' organization participated in a roundtable discussion hosted by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.). The meeting focused on the impact of sequestration, proposed increases in TRICARE fees for all retirees, access to mental health treatment, and employment concerns for veterans, Reservists, and military spouses.

FRA specifically asked lawmakers to exclude DoD from sequestration and enact legislation (H.R. 812, H.R. 3612) that would amend VA policies that limit the ability of "Blue Water" veterans to file for disability benefits for health concerns resulting from Agent Orange exposure while they served off the coast of Vietnam.

Eighteen other lawmakers attended the event including House Minority Whip Rep. Stenny Hoyer (Md.), ranking members of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee Rep. Susan Davis (Calif); the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee Rep. Sanford Bishop (Ga.); and House Budget Committee Chris Van Hollen (Md.).