House Committee on Veterans' Affairs

The revelation by the Office of the Inspector General that important veterans’ claims documents were found in shredding bins in 72% of VA regional offices is stunning and deeply troubling.

Washington, D.C. - Ninety years have passed since the guns of World War I fell silent on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in the year 1918. Sadly, the armistice of the “war to end all wars” turned out to be a mere reprieve from warfare, and the men and women of the armed forces have been called upon again and again to defend our nation and the liberties we cherish.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed 75 Veterans bills during the 110th Congress.  Of these, 18 became law, including many important bipartisan initiatives.

Washington, D.C. – A report that was requested by House Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) and released today by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) shows that a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program that allows disability benefits claims to be filed prior to discharge is more efficient than the traditional VA claims process.

Washington, D.C. – Last night, U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) was honored at an annual event hosted by the PVA for his efforts to expand adaptive and therapeutic sports programs for disabled veterans.

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday in an evening session in the House of Representatives, Congressman Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), the Ranking Republican Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, helped oversee the passage of two comprehensive veterans’ bills and a third stand alone bill that would increase the special pension for Medal of Honor recipients.

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, the House of Representatives approved a veterans’ benefits package and a resolution commemorating the Honor Flight Network.

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), Ranking Member on the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs introduced bipartisan legislation, H.R. 6937, the Department of Veterans Affairs Energy Sustainability Act of 2008.

Washington, D.C. — Today, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs approved a controversial measure, H.R. 6892, that would provide limited compensation to Filipino Veterans of
World War II. The bill was ordered reported by a voice vote.

Washington, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously approved the following naming bills that would pay tribute to the heroic actions of notable veterans, and a resolution commemorating the 120-year partnership between the federal government and state veterans’ homes.

Washington D.C. - Yesterday, the Subcommittee on Health assessed the establishment of a National Suicide Prevention Hotline for veterans as a component of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) suicide prevention programs.

Washington D.C. — Yesterday, during a joint House and Senate hearing on the legislative recommendations of the American Legion, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) commended the 2.7 million member veterans’ organization for its steadfast support for the military and its mission in the war on terrorism.

Washington, D.C. — The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity heard testimony yesterday on where in the process VA is with the implementation of the post 9/11 GI Bill, H.R. 5684, which amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program for veterans.

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, the House of Representatives unanimously approved two bipartisan measures to improve benefits and services for veterans. The following bills now await action by the U.S. Senate:

Washington, D.C. — Today, Committee Ranking Republican Member Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) received an updated situational report from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Peake on the Department’s preparation for Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hanna.

Washington, D.C. — In a late evening session on Thursday, the House of Representatives approved four veterans’ bills by voice vote. The following bills now await action by the Senate:

Washington, D.C. —U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) today commended House approval of record level funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), but expressed disappointment that his amendment to establish new solar electric technologies at VA medical facilities was not permitted.

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer’s (R-Ind.) amendment to the 2009 Military Construction-VA Appropriations bill, which the House approved by voice vote last night would specifically provide $7 million in funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to install alternative fueling stations at thirty-five of its medical facilities across the country.

Washington, D.C. —The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing today to investigate the findings of a government report on a questionable means of procuring goods and services within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).