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A Message to North Carolina Veterans from Senator Richard Burr

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 00:08:00 GMT

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Dear North Carolina Veterans:

Before I left Washington earlier this month to spend time traveling through the state, the Senate took action on several noteworthy items that affect you and your fellow veterans.

In a recent meeting of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I am pleased to report that the committee approved several amendments I offered to address issues vital to veterans in North Carolina and the nation. Below is a list of the amendments I offered that were approved and must now be considered by the full Senate:

Ø In order to ensure that veterans get the best service possible when they deal with the VA, I offered an amendment that would commission an action plan within theDepartment of Veterans’ Affairs to improve the correlation between employee pay and employee performance.

Ø To ensure veterans do not need to wait for an act of Congress every year to get their annual cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for their veterans’ disability compensation, I offered an amendment to make COLAs automatic.

Ø To address the massive backlog of veterans’ benefits claims, I offered an amendment that would allow VA to make awards of disability compensation retroactive for claims applications that are fully-developed at submittal.

Ø To help get more VA medical facilities constructed, I offered an amendment that would require the VA to use any bid savings they receive to go towards the construction of other major medical facility projects of the Department.

Ø As defenders of our country, veterans deserve the protection of their constitutional rights. I offered an amendment that would help ensure veterans’ Second Amendment due process rights are respected.

Ø To help ensure that our borders are secure and stop illegal immigration, I offered an amendment that would allow America’s service members to transfer their military skills into Border Patrol and other law enforcement positions.

Ø In addition to these amendments, I offered a bill that the Committee approved that would help provide additional transitional housing units for our homeless veterans. Helping ensure that our veterans do not go to bed without a roof over their head at night has long been one of my priorities as a member of the Committee, and with the right support, we can help prevent a veteran from becoming homeless.

I am also very pleased to report that the Committee approved a bill to make some much needed improvements to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill (S. 3447, Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010). I’ve heard from a number of veterans in North Carolina who expressed some frustrations with the new program, so I look forward to swift passage of this important legislation by Congress. Specifically, this bill would make the Post 9-11 GI Bill program fair and generous, no matter where a veteran lives or chooses to go to school. By taking steps such as covering vocational training, the bill would allow more veterans and their families to pursue the educational programs that best meet their needs and it will help put veterans in a better position to compete for jobs requiring special skills.

While I am very pleased with the passage of this legislation by the Committee, I remain deeply disappointed that the Committee and this Congress have failed to act on legislation to help our Camp Lejeune veterans and their families who were exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. During this last meeting of the Committee, I offered my Caring for Camp Lejeune Veterans Act, which would provide health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs to veterans and their family members who were exposed to the contaminated drinking water during their time at Camp Lejeune and who now suffer from cancers and other debilitating illnesses associated with the carcinogens and toxins found in the water. Unfortunately, my legislation was again defeated by the Committee. It is my hope that additional information from ongoing scientific studies will increase awareness in Congress and among the general public about the severity of this problem and the large numbers of people who have been severely harmed. To view and listen to my statement before the committee, click here.

On another note, those of you who are former Marines and Sailors and especially those who served at Camp Lejeune during the 1940’s and early 1950’s may remember the first African-Americans to be trained at Montford Marine Camp, the current site of Camp Johnson. The camp is named after Sergeant Major Gilbert “Hashmark” Johnson, one of the Montford Point trainees, a drill instructor, combat veteran of the Pacific Theatre, and one of the first African-American Marines to reach the rank of Sergeant Major.

In 1942, African-Americans were first recruited into the Marine Corps, but were trained and deployed in segregated units. In July 1948, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981 declaring an end to segregation in the military and in September 1949 the Montford Point Camp was deactivated. Approximately 20,000 African-American Marines were trained at Montford Point Camp between 1942 and 1949, serving their country during the period of military segregation and beyond. Camp Johnson is now home to the Montford Point Marine Museum and Marine Corps Combat Support Schools.

I recently introduced legislation to recognize the honorable service of African-American Marines trained at Montford Point Camp, North Carolina, by marking August 26, 2010 as “Montford Point Marines Day.” The Commandant of the Marine Corps was the keynote speaker at the recent commemoration of this special day at Camp Johnson where many Montford Point Marines and their families congregated for a unique honor. The Montford Point Marines’ bravery and commitment to their country exemplifies true patriotism. Their service spearheaded the untiring service of future generations of African-Americans across the ranks and within military leadership, and has ultimately made our military a stronger, more effective force to protect and defend this nation and her ideals.

I am also pleased to report the creation of the Senate Military Family Caucus - a bipartisan group that will focus on issues facing the families of active and veteran service men and women. I am honored to serve as the caucus Co-Chairman. The families of America’s men and women in uniform are the backbone of our military. They often sacrifice to offer the support and motivation our service members need to accomplish their mission, all the while living with the reality that their loved one may be in harm’s way. There’s a lot we can do for these families to ease their burden. The Senate Military Family caucus signifies that we, as a group of Senators, recognize a need to support military families and provides an avenue to push for legislation that will benefit these families.

The Senate Military Family Caucus will work closely with the recently formed House Congressional Military Family Caucus to improve programs and services for military families, and to focus on the unique and growing challenges they face. The Caucus aims to substantively address issues including childcare, education, employment, health care and the effects of multiple deployments on the mental health and well-being of spouses, caregivers and children.

Finally, as I’m sure you are aware, August 31^st marks the end of combat operations in Iraq. You’ve probably seen in the news that the last combat brigade is on its way home. The remaining 50,000 American troops will comprise Advise and Assist Brigades to continue the training and mentoring of Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and provide direct and indirect support for the ISF when requested, while a number of special operations troops will remain in the area to conduct targeted counterterrorism missions. Effective today, the Department of State will become the lead agency in Iraq with the Department of Defense in a supporting role. The United States’ mission in Iraq has been the subject of considerable debate and controversy since it began, but despite the differences some may have about the reasons for our involvement, it’s clear the counterinsurgency and counterterrorism strategies initiated in 2006 and sustained from 2007 until the present day have successfully enabled the Government of Iraq to reach major milestones in critical areas of security, governance, and rule of law. The Iraqis now have an increasingly competent and responsive military and police and have elected a representative government and approved a constitution. These major accomplishments have laid the foundation for future economic and political reforms that will support our interests in the region. The road ahead for the Iraqis will not be easy or smooth, but their future can be promising, provided they find enough common political ground and effectively manage the abundance of natural resources within their borders. While much more work remains in the months ahead, the United States commanders and troops, with their civilian partners in the Department of State, United States Agency for International Development, Department of Treasury, Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, and the Federal contractors who ably supported the effort in Iraq should be commended for their ingenuity, resourcefulness, courage, and sacrifice over the past seven years.

In closing, I want to take a moment to recognize the steadfast commitment of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, their loyal families, and the thousands of veterans across North Carolina who continue to serve and support our communities and this nation. Your service is a humbling reminder that the freedoms we enjoy are precious and should never be taken for granted.

I look forward to meeting and speaking with some of you as I criss-cross the state in the coming days. I encourage you to visit http://burr.senate.gov to see my weekly schedule. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the staff in one of my state offices or in my office in Washington DC.

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Richard Burr

Asheville
Federal Building
151 Patton Avenue, Suite 204
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 350-2437
Fax: (828) 350-2439

Rocky Mount
100 Coast Line Street, Room 210
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
Phone: (877) 703-2087
Phone: (252) 977-9522
Fax: (252) 977-7902

Washington, DC
217 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3154
Fax: (202) 228-2981

Winston-Salem
2000 West First Street
Suite 508
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
Phone: (800) 685-8916
Phone: (336) 631-5125
Fax: (336) 725-4493

Gastonia
City Hall
181 South Street, Room 222
Gastonia, NC 28052
Phone: (704) 833-0854
Fax: (704) 833-1467

Wilmington
201 North Front Street
Suite 809
Wilmington, NC 28401
Phone: (888) 848-1833
Phone: (910) 251-1058
Fax: (910) 251-7975

Amendments Offered by Sen. Burr Accepted in Veterans Affairs Committee Mark-up

Fri, 6 Aug 2010 00:08:00 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, August 6, 2010

CONTACT:

PHONE:

David Ward

Chandler Smith

(202) 228-1616

WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, offered several amendments in yesterday’s mark-up session that were accepted by the full committee. In addition to the amendments, Senator Burr’s legislation to provide $43 million for additional transitional housing units for homeless veterans was approved.

Senator Burr’s amendments addressed issues vital to veterans in North Carolina and nationwide. Information on the amendments that were accepted is below:

1. Commission an action plan to improve correlation between employee pay and performance [Burr Amendment #1]

2. Provide for automatic cost-of-living-adjustments to veterans’ disability compensation without the need for Congress to act each year [Burr Amendment #2]

3. Address the backlog of veterans’ benefits claims by authorizing retroactive effective date for awards of disability compensation in connection with applications that are fully-developed at submittal [Burr amendment #3]

4. Require that bid savings on major medical facility projects of Department of Veterans Affairs be used for other major medical facility construction projects of the Department [Burr amendment #4]

5. Help ensure veterans’ Second Amendment due process rights are respected [Burr amendment #6]

6. Establish a pathway to help America’s servicemembers transfer their military skills into jobs that will protect our borders and other law enforcement positions [Burr Amendment #8]

Additionally, the Veterans Affairs committee approved legislation that addressed much needed improvements to the new Post-9/11 GI Bill (S. 3447, Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010).

“The Committee has acted on legislation that would help make the GI education program fair and generous, no matter where a veteran lives or chooses to go to school. By taking steps such as covering vocational training, the bill would allow more veterans and their families to pursue the educational programs that best meet their needs,” Sen. Burr said regarding this bill.

Senator Burr also offered an amendment that would provide health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to veterans and their family members exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. This amendment was not accepted by the committee.

“I am, once again, deeply disappointed that my colleagues have failed to approve an amendment providing care for the veterans and families who suffer illness due to exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune. These veterans and their families were harmed in the service of our country. They deserve better,” said Sen. Richard Burr.

Sen. Burr Introduces Bill to Relieve Tax Burden for Families of Fallen Servicemembers

Mon, 10 May 2010 00:05:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Burr today introduced the Children of Fallen Warriors AMT Relief Act, legislation that protects children from paying disproportionate taxes on the benefits they receive after the death of a parent who has served in the military.

“Our nation’s servicemembers and their families have sacrificed enough on our behalf without then being subjected to the alternative minimum tax on their survivor’s benefits. That is why I am proud to introduce the Children of Fallen Warriors AMT Relief Act, which will remove the punitive burden that is currently imposed on the children of our fallen heroes by the Alternative Minimum Tax,” Sen. Burr said.

When it was created, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) was designed to target a few hundred wealthy Americans whose tax benefits resulted in their paying little or no federal income tax. However, since it has not been adjusted to the rate of inflation, it has now expanded to include millions of Americans it was never intended to affect. As a result, Congress is frequently required to pass relief bills.

Under the current system, some children who receive an annuity from the Uniformed Services Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) could be subject to a punitive AMT. This unintended consequence can cost the children as much as 26% of their benefit.

The bill introduced today corrects the problem by re-classifying the payout for children from the SBP as earned income, and therefore subject to normal taxation rules for wages rather than the higher taxation rate for the AMT.

President Obama Signs Veterans Caregiver Bill Into Law

Wed, 5 May 2010 00:05:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, President Obama signed the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 into law. Senator Burr attended the signing ceremony at the White House Rose Garden this afternoon, after which he made the following statement:

“The signing of the Caregivers bill today marks the final step in a long process. I’ve been privileged to work with a number of individuals whose persistence and optimism have inspired a bill that will enable our severely-wounded veterans to receive the quality attention and care they deserve.”

The Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 establishes new assistance for the family caregivers of seriously disabled veterans, including training and certification required to meet the veteran’s needs, access to ongoing support services, counseling and mental health services, respite care, medical care, and a monthly personal caregiver allowance.

Senator Burr, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, offered critical provisions that direct Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a pilot dental insurance program for veterans. The Burr provision is modeled after the successful dental insurance program that exists for retired TRICARE beneficiaries.

The bill would also enhance health care for women veterans, delivery of health care for veterans living in rural areas, access to mental health care for veterans and certain servicemembers, and would make improvements in homeless programs.

Senator Burr Greets Wounded Veteran Cyclists on Capitol Hill

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:04:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-North Carolina) today joined thirty veterans and active duty servicemembers of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars – including four from North Carolina - on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol building for the conclusion of the DC Wounded Warriors Soldier Ride. The Soldier Ride is a program sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Project that provides wounded Soldiers with rehabilitative opportunities and raises public awareness about those servicemen and women who have been severely injured during wartime.

“I was inspired today to be in the company of veterans who have such an intense commitment and spirit. The Soldier Ride is a wonderful symbol of individuals who are confronting the wounds and pain of their experiences to overcome adversity. They are an inspiration to the rest of us,” Senator Burr said.

The ride began at the White House and continued through Arlington Cemetery before ending at the U.S. Capitol. All participants with a disability or missing a limb or limbs are provided the adaptive equipment they need to cycle. Four North Carolina veterans and active duty servicemen, Eric Edmundson of New Bern, Nathan Green of Lexington, Stephen Towery of Fayetteville, and Ted Wade of Chapel Hill, participated in today’s Solider Ride.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. In addition to offer rehabilitative services like the Soldier Ride, it also provides wounded warriors with services and benefits such as career counseling, advocacy initiatives and combat stress seminars to aid in the transition from hospital bed to an independent, productive life.

Senate Passes Family Caregiver Bill to Help Wounded Veterans and Their Families

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:04:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate unanimously approved the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010. The legislation, which passed the House of Representatives with unanimous support earlier this week, includes critical provisions offered by Senator Richard Burr, Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, that will strengthen support for family caregivers of seriously disabled veterans. It also includes a provision authored by Senator Burr to establish a program of basic dental insurance coverage for veterans.

“I’m pleased this important legislation is headed to the President for his signature. The assistance for caregivers will hopefully alleviate some of the challenges families face in caring for a seriously injured veteran at home,” Senator Burr said. “I’d like to personally recognize the efforts of two North Carolina families in shaping this legislation: Sarah, wife and caregiver of Ted Wade, as well as Ed Edmundson who, along with other family members, quit his job to take care of his son Eric. Ted and Eric would be in nursing homes without their families’ support. Their personal experiences and advocacy for family caregivers nationwide have made this day possible.”

The centerpiece of the bill establishes new assistance for the family caregivers of seriously disabled veterans, including training and certification required to meet the veteran’s needs, access to ongoing support services, counseling and mental health services, respite care, medical care, and a monthly personal caregiver allowance.

The bill would also direct VA to establish a pilot dental insurance program for veterans. The Burr provision is modeled after the successful dental insurance program that exists for retired TRICARE beneficiaries.

“Healthy teeth are an important part of overall health, and our veterans should have access to affordable dental care,” Burr said. “This program will open up options for coverage to many veterans who may now have none.”

Military Officers Association of America Honors Sen. Burr

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:04:00 GMT

Washington DC -- Last night, U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) received the 2010 Colonel Arthur T. Marix Congressional Leadership Award for his work in support of America’s men and women in uniform, their military families, and for his work in championing the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act. The award was sponsored by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), an organization of active duty, National Guard, Reserve, former and retired military officers and surviving spouses with over 370,000 members nationwide.

"The strength of our nation’s military force depends on the strength of military families,” Senator Burr said. “Military families provide the support our men and women in uniform need to do their job, and it is incumbent on us to make their lives easier as they undergo frequent relocations and deployments. Allowing military spouses to have equal residency rights and to help them advance their careers and find employment opportunities despite frequent relocations are just small ways that we can make their lives just a little bit easier. I’m deeply appreciative of this award and humbled to be a part of creating policy that benefits families who sacrifice every day for our nation’s well-being."

“The top award that MOAA presented to Senator Burr recognizes the highest caliber of leadership, dedication, and love of country,” said Retired U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Richard I. Neal, Chairman of MOAA’s Board of Directors. “It also recognizes the desire for a strong national defense, and—most importantly—steadfast support for the uniformed men and women who make that strong defense a reality.”

Last year, Senator Burr introduced the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act, which was signed into law on Veterans Day in 2009. This bill allows military spouses to maintain or change residency when their family relocates due to military orders. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Representative John Carter (R-TX) were honored alongside Senator Burr as co-recipients for their work on behalf of the veteran community.

Sen. Burr Introduces Bill to Increase Employment of Military Spouses

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:04:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced the Military Spouse Employment Act, legislation that will encourage employers to hire qualified military spouses by expanding the Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include military families.

“Military spouses are among our nation’s most valuable assets,” Senator Burr said. “These men and women are already sacrificing for our country, and we can’t let the hard facts of military life like relocations get in the way of their career and financial support for their families. By encouraging employers to hire military spouses, this tax incentive results in big returns with just a small investment.”

The Senator introduced this bill in light of recent studies that show that military spouses traditionally earn less income and have higher unemployment rates than their civilian counterparts due to frequent relocations. Using the WOTC would allow an employer to claim a tax credit of 40% of the first $6,000 in wages paid during the worker's first year of employment.

This legislation has the support of the Military Coalition, an alliance representing 5.5 million members in 35 organizations including AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Military Officers Association of America. Representative John Carter (R-TX) introduced the House version of the bill (H.R. 4764) in March 2010.

Burr Proposal to Protect Healthcare for Veterans and Military Families Clears Senate

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:03:00 GMT

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Today, the United States Senate passed legislation cosponsored by Senator Richard Burr (R-NC) to correct serious technical errors in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that put veterans, widows and widowers, and certain dependents at risk. “Our nation’s veterans and their families have sacrificed of themselves on behalf of our security, and we owe them the best health care available,” Burr said. “I was proud to cosponsor this legislation that will protect the health care that these individuals have earned through their service to our nation.” Under the Democrats’ health reform bill, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, “minimum essential coverage” requirements for health insurance did not clearly include TRICARE; the VA Spina Bifida Program for children of Agent Orange veterans; and CHAMPVA, a health care program for spouses and dependent children of veterans who died, or are profoundly disabled, as a result of military service. Senator Burr was concerned that without a change in the language of President Obama’s broad sweeping healthcare reform provisions, these beneficiaries could have been required to pay for additional insurance. With the support of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and Disabled American Veterans, Senator Burr offered an amendment to the health care reconciliation bill to maintain the integrity of the health care systems of the VA and the DOD and ensure that the authority of the Secretary of the Department of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs would not be obstructed by any provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Senator Burr’s amendment also ensured that nothing in the Democrats’ health bill would affect benefits provided under TRICARE or VA health care programs and that “minimum essential coverage” under the Democrats’ health reform bill would include coverage under TRICARE and all VA health care programs. Burr’s raising of the issue spurred a bi-partisan effort to advance legislation to the President for signature. Senator Burr and Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI) worked closely to resolve differences between the original Burr proposal and the language ultimately agreed to by the Senate.

Burr Resolution Recognizing Day to Honor Vietnam Veterans Passes Senate

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:03:00 GMT

U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Richard Burr

Ranking Member　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

825A Hart Senate Office Building • Washington, D.C. 20510

(202) 224-2074 • FAX (202) 224-8908

http://burr.senate.gov

Burr Resolution Recognizing Day to Honor Vietnam Veterans Passes Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, March 19, 2010	CONTACT:	David Ward (202) 228-1616
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, March 19, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, announced that a resolution he introduced encouraging communities across the nation to establish "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day" was passed unanimously by the United States Senate.　 The resolution designates March 30, 2010, as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day," to honor the return home of our armed service members after serving in Vietnam.　

"There’s no question that our troops served our country bravely and faithfully during the Vietnam War, and these veterans deserve our recognition and gratitude," Burr said. "Tragically, when these service members returned home, they were caught in the crossfire of public debate about our nation’s involvement in the Vietnam War.　 As a result, these brave men and women never received the welcome home and gratitude they fully deserved."

The United States became involved in Vietnam because policy-makers believed that if South Vietnam fell to a communist government, communism would spread throughout the rest of Southeast Asia.　 The US Armed Forces began serving in an advisory role to the South Vietnamese in 1961, and in 1965, ground combat troops were sent into Vietnam.　 After many years of combat, all US troops were withdrawn from Vietnam on March 30, 1973, under the terms of the Treaty of Paris. Therefore, March 30, 2010, is an appropriate day to establish "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day."

More than 58,000 members of the United States Armed Forces lost their lives and more than 300,000 were wounded in Vietnam.

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