NewsBytes August 5, 2022
In this issue:
Toxic Exposure Bill Sent to President’s Desk
FRA Commemorative Coin Bill
Legislation Introduced for GI Bill Reporting Simplification
Abortion in the Military
Veterans Comprehensive Toxic Exposure Bill Sent to President’s Desk to be Enacted
The veteran’s toxic exposure bill (S.3373) passed the Senate (86-11) when the Senate approved a House amendment to the bill. The bill, that had earlier stalled on the Senate floor will be sent to the president to be signed into law.
The bill would establish a presumption of service connection for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers related to the smoke from burn pits. Further, the bill also provides new benefits for veterans who faced radiation exposure during deployments throughout the Cold War, adds hypertension and monoclonal gammopathy to the list of illnesses linked to Agent Orange exposure in the Vietnam War, expands the timeline for Gulf War medical claims and requires new medical exams for all veterans with toxic exposure claims. Veterans who served in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Guam during the Vietnam War era would be covered under the same Agent Orange presumptive policies as those who served in Vietnam itself.
The VA staff would be granted “The authority to determine that a veteran participated in a toxic exposure risk activity when an exposure tracking record system does not contain the appropriate data,” a stark distinction from the science-only system in use at the VA currently. The measure is estimated to cost $270 billion over 10 years and would potentially affect as many as one in five veterans living today. The bill would authorize the setup of 31 major medical clinics across America and hire thousands more claims processors and health care staff.
The FRA wants to thank the thousands of members that weighed in on this issue. Your efforts helped pass this important legislation.
FRA Commemorative Coin Bill
At the request of the FRA, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (Fla.) and John Garamendi (Calif.) proudly introduced legislation (H.R.6663) that will create a 100th anniversary commemorative coin for the Fleet Reserve Association. This bipartisan legislation would direct the Department of Treasury to mint a coin to commemorate the centennial of the foundation and charter of the FRA in 1924, all at no cost to American taxpayers.
“For one century, the FRA has served as a strong voice in Washington,” said Congressman Bilirakis. “The organization has been instrumental in advocating for Sea Service Members and their families, including successfully fighting back against proposed cuts to benefits and supporting enhanced eligibility and benefits for veterans. The organization has been a valued partner in my fight to rectify the injustice of concurrent receipt. Together, I am optimistic that we will be able to ensure all veterans finally receive the full benefits they’ve earned and deserve. I am honored to help commemorate this prestigious organization’s tireless work and legacy of success.”
Members are strongly urged to ask their Representative to co-sponsor this legislation by going to the FRA Action Center .
Legislation Introduced for GI Bill Reporting Simplification for Schools
The Chairman and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees Rep. Mark Takano (Calif.), Rep. Mike Bost, Sen. Jon Tester (Mont.) and Sen. Jerry Moran (Kan.) respectively have introduced the “Ensuring the Best Schools for Veterans Act” (H.R.8198, S.5548). The legislation would simplify the reporting process for colleges and universities to make GI Bill paperwork requirements easier and more straightforward. This will allow schools to focus on ensuring student veterans get the education they have earned without additional red tape.
The GI Bill, enacted in 2008, has made it possible for thousands of veterans to pursue a college degree after their military service. This legislation will make it easier for colleges and universities that serve student veterans to have a standard and simplified process to enroll students using the GI Bill and help them get their earned benefits.
Abortion in the Military
The House Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Military Personnel met to discuss how access to reproductive health services impacts service members’ readiness. The hearing comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v. Wade. The Pentagon released a memorandum stating that DoD medical facilities will continue to perform abortions when the life of the mother is in danger or the pregnancy results from rape or incest. Federal law continues to cover those services.
The memorandum also made clear that active-duty service members and civilian employees may continue to receive emergency sick leave to obtain an abortion for themselves or a loved one. Such leave may extend to time needed to travel to obtain those services. DoD will continue to pay for travel related to a legally covered abortion.
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