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Statement of Senator Barack Obama on the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act

Thursday, April 24, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Michael Ortiz, 202 228 5566

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Barack Obama today released the following statement on the Senate's passage of the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act (S.1315):

"Our veterans and service members have made incredible sacrifices for our nation, and today the Senate honored their service by providing them with the care and benefits they deserve.

"The Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act provides important improvements to veterans' benefits. It expands life insurance programs for disabled veterans, increases housing assistance for disabled veterans and service members, and improves the administration of education benefits. I am also pleased that this bill contains a provision that I have championed to improve VA's outreach efforts to members of the National Guard and Reserves so these service members will be better informed about the federal benefits and services available to them.

"This legislation also makes good on our promises to Filipino veterans who served bravely alongside American service members during World War II. Nearly 250,000 Filipinos assisted Americans during the war, but for far too long, these heroes have been denied benefits they are owed. This bill will finally provide surviving veterans and their survivors with the benefits they were promised so many years ago.

"Recognizing the sacrifices of our veterans and service members means ensuring they have the resources they need while at war, and the services and support they require when they return home. I am committed to working with my colleagues to ensure this legislation is enacted into law and does not result in a loss of current veterans' benefits and much needed services. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, I will continue my fight to ensure our heroes don't have to face another battle to receive the care and benefits they deserve."