At a time when our government is asking thousands of military members to enter harm's way in our war against terrorism, the citizens of Kansas are seeing a dramatic decrease in the standard of care that our veterans are provided to help them with the lifelong physical and mental effects of these wars. I have long been a supporter of veterans and veterans' benefits. America's veterans have put their lives on the line to defend our country and we should honor their sacrifices and fulfill our commitments to them. Keeping our nation strong and keeping our promises to veterans should be among our top national priorities. |
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Robert Hess, a veteran of WWII, shows a medal that he was able to obtain with Sam's help. |
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| Brownback Supports Advanced Funding for Veterans |
I was one of the sponsors of the Veterans Health Care Budget and Transparency Act in the Senate. I'm happy to report that the President signed the bill into law in October. The legislation secures funding for veterans' health care one year in advance of the regular appropriations process. The Veterans Administration is currently funded year-by-year, which has resulted in late funding for twenty of the past twenty-three years. I am proud to have co-sponsored a bill that removes the threat of late-funding of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Our veterans deserve nothing less than reliable, quality health care.
 Read More - Bill S. 423: Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009
Read More - Bill H.R. 1016: Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009
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| Post-9/11 GI Bill Information |
In June of 2008, I voted in favor of the Post-9/11 GI Bill which created a robust education benefits program rivaling the WWII Era GI Bill of Rights. The new Post-9/11 GI Bill offers greater benefits than ever, but figuring out what benefit program is right for you can be confusing. The following video and link to the Department of Veterans' Affairs website provides a helpful overview to ensure you get the most out of this brand new benefit. Remember, only the VA can verify your personal eligibility for GI Bill benefits. Be sure to call them at 1-888-GIBILL-1 if you have any questions about your eligibility status.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wwzie29m5Y
For more information, go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/ |
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| Need Help Finding a Medal? Problems Working with the VA? |
Find out how the Senator's caseworkers can help you with these situations and others |
Informational Letter Regarding Medicare Drug Program |
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| Additional Co-sponsorships in the 111th Congress |
S. 614 - A bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots ("WASP"). Became Public Law 111-40 on July 1, 2009.
S.J.Res 15 - A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States authorizing the Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States.
S. 831/644 - National Guard and Reserve Retired Pay Equity Act of 2009
S. 663 - Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2009
S. 772 - Honor Act of 2009
S. 491 - Federal and Military Retiree Health Care Equity Act
S. 475 - Military Spouses Residency Relief Act
S. 832 - Federal Charter for Military Officers Association of America
S. 731 - To provide for continuity of TRICARE Standard coverage for certain members of the Retired Reserve
S. 1128 - Atomic Veterans Service Medal Act
S. 535 - To repeal requirement for reduction of survivor annuities under the Survivor Benefit Plan by veterans' dependency and indemnity compensation
S. 1169 - To provide for the treatment of autism under TRICARE.
S. 1026 - Military Voting Protection Act of 2009
S. 1204 - Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act of 2009
S. 546 - Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2009
S. 879 - See Something, Say Something Act of 2009
S. 572 - Perpetual Purple Heart Stamp Act
S. 1415 - Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act
S. 883 - Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009
S. 1794 - A bill to authorize and request the President to award the Medal of Honor posthumously to Captain Emil Kapaun of the United States Army for acts of valor during the Korean War
S. 2097 - Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act
S. 760 - A bill to designate the Liberty Memorial at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, as the "National World War I Memorial"
S. 761 - A bill to establish the World War I Centennial Commission to ensure a suitable observance of the centennial of World War I, and for other purposes
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