KEEPING PROMISES TO VETERANS & MILITARY FAMILIES

Congressman Edwards is a nationally respected champion for America’s veterans who believes America has a solemn commitment to see that America's veterans are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, and to see that our government honors their service and sacrifices not just in words, but in deeds.

Since becoming Chairman of the House Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee,   Congressman Edwards has authored legislation that has increased VA health care and benefits by 60%.  Thanks to Chet's leadership, Congress has also funded several initiatives to improve the quality of life for our military and their families.

HISTORIC ADVANCES FOR VETERANS & MILITARY FAMILIES

• Chet authored and Congress has passed into law a 60 percent increase in funding for veterans health care and benefits since January 2007.
• This funding has resulted in a total increase of 8,300 claims processors, 145 community-based outpatient clinics, 70 Vet Centers, and more than 47,000 additional Veterans Health Administration employees. These additional resources will provide our veterans with their benefits more quickly and improve access to health care and other services.
• Chet championed initiatives to honor America's military families including $3.2 billion for new military hospitals, $1 billion for new child care centers to serve 20,000 military children, and $920 million in additional funding for barracks.

HISTORIC NEW POLICY

• Advanced VA Healthcare Appropriations: For the first time in history, Congress has provided $48.2 billion in advance appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for three medical accounts: medical services, medical support and compliance, and medical facilities to ensure timely and predictable funding for the veterans health care system.
• Advanced Appropriations was the #1 priority for America's Veterans Service Organizations in 2009.

HISTORIC NEW GI BILL FOR THE 21^ST CENTURY

In 2008, Chet helped pass historic legislation into law- the GI Bill for the 21^st Century, which fully restores full, four-year college scholarships for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans - on par with the educational benefits available after World War II. The original GI bill of 1944 launched millions of families on a course to achieving the American dream - and set the American economy on the right course after a draining war.  It returned $7 to the economy for every $1 spent on it.

Prior to the 21 Century GI Bill, GI educational benefits paid only about 60 percent of a public college education and 30 percent of a private college education.  This bill will increase the average benefit for a Texas resident from $9,000 to $18,000.  167,000 troops and veterans have used the new GI education benefits in the first year, and the processing of the tuition payments has been greatly improved. The GI Bill could potentially benefit more than 441,000 in 2010.

MARINE GUNNERY SERGEANT JOHN DAVID FRY SCHOLARSHIP

A new law authored by Congressman Chet Edwards to expand GI Bill benefits to children of fallen U.S. service members was included in the final 2009 Supplemental Appropriations bill, which funds U.S. military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.  The provision, authored by Edwards as a member of the conference committee, expands the current GI Bill education benefit to cover the full cost of a college education for all children of fallen soldiers serving on active duty.

The new benefit will be known as the "Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry" scholarship in honor of a fallen soldier with three young children from Edwards' district. Under the current GI bill, beneficiaries must serve 6 years with an additional 4 year commitment in order to earn the right to transfer their benefits among their dependents.  Edwards' provision extends the full benefit to each dependent child and does not impose a minimum of military service to qualify.

“Nothing can make up for the loss of a parent, but my hope is that this sends a message of respect to every serviceman and woman that when you go into harm’s way for your country, our prayer is that you don’t have to give your life, but if that happens, we’re not going to forget your children.

“No one has sacrificed more than the military child who has lost a parent.”

“This legislation is as meaningful to me as any legislation I’ve ever passed because who could be more deserving of our support than children whose moms or dads have died in military service to our nation.”

- Congressman Chet Edwards

Other veterans issues:

• Congressman Edwards wrote the bill that would block the proposed tripling of TRICARE premiums for military retirees. Edwards introduced the Military Retiree Health Care Protection Act (H.R. 816) to prohibit the Pentagon from putting this burden on the backs of military retirees. Parts of Edwards' legislation were included in the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 and 2008.

• Congressman Edwards led the fight to eliminate the Disabled Veterans Tax. The only federal retirees that are penalized for collecting VA disability benefits are military retirees, who are taxed a dollar of retirement pay for every dollar of VA disability pay they get. Congressman Edwards and others were able to partially phase out the Disabled Veterans Tax, but there are many veterans still left out. Congressman Edwards continues to fight for a full repeal of this unfair tax.

Chet's recognitions for dedication to troops, veterans, and their families:

• 2009 American Veterans Congressional Silver Helmet Award
• 2009 U.S. Army Commander's Award for Civilian Service
• 2009 U.S. Navy Distinguished Public Service Award
• 2009 Fleet Reserve Association Pinnacle Award
• 2008 American Legion Distinguished Service Award given to only one member of Congress
• 2008 Veterans of Foreign War Congressional Award
• 2007 Military Officers Association of America Award
• 2006 Military Coalition Award of Merit
• 2006 National Guard Association Charles Dick Medal of Merit
• 2006 Exemplary Legislator - National Association of Mental Illness' Veterans Council
• 2005 Military Order of the Purple Heart's National Inspirational Leadership Award
• 2005 National Inspirational Leadership Award from the Military Order of the Purple Heart
• 2004 American Legion Unsung Hero Award
• 2004 American Legion Meritorious Service Award
• 2004 "Going to Bat for Veterans" Award - National Disabled American Veterans
• 2004 Support of Military Families Award from The National Military Family Association
• 2004 "Going to Bat for Veterans" Award- National Disabled American Veterans
• 2004 Champion for Children - Military Impacted Schools Association
• 2003 Legislator of the Year--Association of the United States Army
• 2003 Harry S. Truman Award-National Association of Federally Impacted Schools
• 2002 USO Quality of Life Award
• 1998 Legislator of the Year from the bipartisan National Security Caucus.