FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                             CONTACT: Robert Kellar, 202/226-8540

October 8, 2008                                                                                    www.tauscher.house.gov

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Give
Rep. Ellen Tauscher an A+

Veterans Report Card Scores Legislators on 22 Key Votes

Washington, DC -The nonpartisan Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of American (IAVA) Action Fund has just released their 2008 Congressional Report Card, in which Rep. Ellen Tauscher earned a grade of A+.  Rep. Tauscher earned the maximum score of 15 out of 15 points in IAVA's report.     

"I am humbled by this recognition from our Iraq and Afghanistan veterans," said Rep. Tauscher.  "The men and women volunteering to serve the United States deserve the best equipment and training before being deployed and the best care and education when they return.  I am committed to doing everything I can in Congress and on the Armed Services Committee to honor our military and keep America's promises to them."

The report card grades every Senator and Representative based on 22 key legislative votes on veterans' issues.  Key votes on issues such as the new GI Bill, VA funding and mental health care were reviewed to determine the Congressional grades. 

"IAVA Action's 2008 Congressional Report Card recognizes those lawmakers who refused to compromise on the most important issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of IAVA.  "From passing a new GI Bill to increasing VA funding by over 10 billion dollars, the 110th Congress has made tremendous progress on behalf of America's newest generation of heroes.  Over the last two years, Congresswoman Tauscher has demonstrated that she is a great friend to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. IAVA Action is proud to give Congresswoman Tauscher an A+ and would like to thank her for her leadership on these critical issues."

Congresswoman Tauscher was an original co-sponsor of H.R. 5740 the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, commonly referred to as the new GI Bill.  Other legislation in the report card Congresswoman Tauscher co-sponsored include:

H.R. 3329: the Homes for Heroes Act gives housing assistance to very low income veteran families and housing vouchers for homeless veterans. In addition, it protects veterans from discrimination in accessing other federal housing assistance programs determination.

H.R.3793: Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act provides that if a service member dies, is separated, or retired due to a combat-related injury then the member does not need to repay their enlistment bonus.

The IAVA Action Fund Report card is available online at www.VeteranReportCard.org. 

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