Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4), Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, was honored today by The American Legion as the sole recipient of the organization’s 2004 Distinguished Public Service Award.  Previous recipients of the award include former Senators John Glenn, Howard Baker, and former Speaker of the House Tip O’Neil.  The American Legion was founded in 1919 and has over 2.7 million members, as well as a Ladies Auxiliary with an additional million members.

At a ceremony today, American Legion National Commander John Brieden praised Smith for his “willingness to do what is right versus what is popular… to take a stand based on principle rather than giving in to political pressures.   He is one of those fighters that takes his licks, but never loses focus on his objective – and when the round is over – he is often the victor,” said Brieden.

Brieden highlighted the extraordinary legislative accomplishments of Smith during his three years as Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.  Since 2001, Smith has authored

11 separate veterans’ bills approved by Congress – all signed into law by President Bush – that have expanded and improved health care services and benefits for America’s 25 million veterans, their families and survivors.  Brieden also highlighted Smith’s relentless advocacy and success at increasing federal funding for veterans’ health care programs, which has risen 34% over the past three years.

“In the eyes of The American Legion, you are truly a champion,” Commander Brieden told the audience of 2,000 Legion and Auxiliary members assembled in the Nation’s Capital for their 44^th annual Washington Conference. 

The American Legion honored Smith, according to the award’s citation, “[i]n recognition of his distinguished public service career, as well as his service to the nation’s veterans, including quality health care and education; his commitment to combat domestic and international terrorism; his support for human rights, including efforts to protect women and children from abuse and violence; and his steadfast efforts to protect the American flag from physical desecration.”

“I am truly touched to be chosen by The American Legion to receive this high honor,” said Chairman Smith.  “It has been a privilege to lead the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and have the opportunity to work every day to improve the delivery of benefits and services earned by our Nation’s 25 million veterans, including over 650,000 living in New Jersey,” he said.

The American Legion award is the latest major award honoring Smith for his service to veterans.  Other national and state awards presented to Smith in recent years include:

—         Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Legislator of the Year

—         Disabled America Veterans (DAV) Outstanding Service Award

—         Jewish War Veterans Legislator of the Year

—         Vietnam Veterans of America Legislator of the Year

—         National Coalition for Homeless Veterans Legislative Leadership Award

—         AMVETS Silver Helmet Award

—         Order of the Purple Heart Legislator of the Year

—         Blinded American Veterans Foundation George “Buck” Gillespie Award

—         Retired Enlisted Association Award of Excellence

—         Non-Commissioned Officers Association L. Mendel Rivers Award

—         New Jersey VFW Legislator of the Year

—         Trenton Vets Center Distinguished Service Award

—         New Jersey Catholic War Veterans Patriot Award

Among the most important new veterans’ laws referred to by Brieden which were sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith, approved by Congress, and signed by President Bush, are the:

—         Veterans Benefits Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-183), which expands compensation and benefits for disabled veterans, their surviving spouses, and children;

—         Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (P.L. 108-189), which strengthens and expands civil, legal and economic protections for servicemembers called up or deployed on active duty;

—         Veterans Education and Benefits Expansion Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-103), which authorized

$3.1 billion over five years to expand and increase educational, housing, burial and disability

benefits, including a 46 percent increase in GI Bill education and training benefits;

—         Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-95), which authorized almost $1 billion to aid homeless veterans and prevent veterans from becoming homeless;

—         Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Programs Enhancement Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-135), which added new, and expanded existing, health care programs for veterans by $1.4 billion;

—         Veterans’ Survivor Benefits Improvements Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-14), which authorizes $100 million in new health care benefits for surviving spouses of veterans, and extends life insurance coverage to spouses and children of servicemembers; and

—         Department of Veterans Affairs Emergency Preparedness Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-287) which addressed VA’s medical preparedness capabilities by authorizing the establishment of new research centers to study treatments, vaccines and preventions for injuries from weapons of mass destruction.

For Immediate Release: March 9, 2004

Contact:  Nick Manetto (202) 225-3765