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Veterans
Veterans
 "As a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, I hear often of the brave men and women who defend this nation in uniform. To these fine Americans, and to all of our veterans, we owe the deepest debt of gratitude. We must keep our commitments to provide care and support when they come home from war." - Senator Roland W. Burris Senator Burris honors the service and sacrifice of the brave few who serve this country in uniform. He recognizes that past and present members of the armed forces - and their families - bear a burden that is too often overlooked. Senator Burris feels strongly that all those who wear the American flag into combat deserve our thanks, our respect, and our steadfast support. As Congress considers legislation related to veterans affairs, Senator Burris will work with his colleagues to ensure that each measure reflects these values and priorities. The New G.I. Bill Senator Burris is a strong supporter of the new G.I. Bill, and will continue to work with his colleagues to ensure that this assistance is readily available to all eligible American veterans. Since the Second World War, this country has offered educational assistance as one of the benefits available to those who serve. The original G.I. Bill, which was passed in the 1940s, helped veterans with tuition, fees, books, a monthly stipend, and other costs. Almost 8 million veterans received these direct benefits after they returned from World War II. Senator Burris believes today's veterans deserve the same opportunities. In the last Congress, Senator Webb, former Senator Hagel, Senator Lautenberg and former Senator Warner introduced the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, also known as the Veterans Educational Assistance Act. This important legislation was designed to expand current benefits to resemble those that were available to veterans of World War II. The Obama Administration has recently implemented the new G.I. Bill. Now, anyone with at least 90 days of military service after September 11 can receive up to 100 percent tuition reimbursement. They are even eligible for housing allowances and a stipend for books and school supplies. Until this law went into effect, benefits were designed for peacetime service and did not reflect the reality of wartime. But now, all of these benefits are offered in amounts that are proportional to the duration of an individual’s service. Senator Burris believe that our veterans deserve the very best. We must keep our commitment to all those who serve our nation in uniform. The new G.I. Bill will not only provide assistance to those who are currently on active duty, but it should have a positive effect on military recruitment as well. Senator Burris looks forward to watching this program make a significant difference in the lives of so many brave men and women. Please check this website for additional information and detailed updates in the near future. Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act Senator Burris is proud to see the President sign S. 1963, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act, into law. This sweeping legislation will establish an unprecedented program to support the caregivers of wounded warriors, improve health care for veterans in rural areas, improve the care for women veterans, and expand services available to homeless veterans. Senator Burris has been a strong supporter of this bill since its introduction, and was a co-sponsor of two of the bills that were included in S. 1963, S. 801, the Caregiver and Veterans Health Services Act and S. 252, the Veterans Health Care Authorization Act. This legislation will help fulfill VA’s obligation to care for the nation’s wounded veterans by providing more training, supportive services, and living expenses, and will improve the lives of many sick and disabled veterans and those who care for them. Other provisions in this bill include: Improvements in health care for women veterans: The Act requires the VA to report to Congress a comprehensive assessment of the barriers in providing health care to women veterans. It also mandates that VA implement pilot programs to provide child care to women veterans receiving medical services. Improvements in the delivery of health care in rural areas: The Act provides the VA with incentives to recruit and retain health care professionals for underserved rural areas. It also reimburses travel for veterans receiving treatment at VA facilities. Improved access to services: The Act eliminates copayments for catastrophically disabled veterans and services for veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries. It also allows VA to reimburse veterans for emergency care received at non-VA facilities. VA Claims/Other Issues Senator Burris remains committed to fighting for the rights every veteran deserves. If you are an Illinoisan who requires assistance in dealing with the Veterans Administration or another agency (with regard to care, benefits, or a pending claim), please contact Senator Burris through the "Constituent Service Center," located under the "Services" tab at the top of this website. |