Press Releases

Washington, D.C. –  Congressman Donald M. Payne (NJ-10) has received an “A” grade from the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America for his strong support of veterans, based on his voting  record on veterans’ issues.  The nonpartisan IAVA Action Fund recently released its 2008 Congressional Report Card, which graded the congressman on his leadership on key Iraq and Afghanistan veterans' issues. Congressman Payne has always worked to improve essential needs such as healthcare and benefits for those in uniform.

“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 Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (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.  Congressman Payne received an A from IAVA Action, and we would like to thank him for his leadership on these critical issues.”

Congressman Payne has voted to increase funding for veterans by a $4.6 billion increase; he supported new legislation which would increase housing for very low income veteran families, as they make up a great percentage of the homeless in the U.S.  In addition, he supported healthcare legislation for the treatment of TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and improving it’s diagnosis as it is the signature wound of the Iraq war.

“Upon our return to Washington in January 2009, I look forward to working with veterans’ organizations in the 111th Congress,” Payne said. “Their input on the legislative agenda will continue to be critical as we make key decisions.”