WILMINGTON, DE | October 14, 2008 - The nonpartisan Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Action Fund released its 2008 Congressional Report Card, which grades every Member of Congress.  Representative Michael N. Castle (R-DE) received an "A" for his outspoken leadership on issues of importance to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans' issues including the GI Bill, VA funding, and mental health care.  According to IAVA Action, the Report Card recognizes the 110th Congress' unprecedented achievements on behalf of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans as well as the lawmakers who failed to make veterans a priority.

"I am honored to receive this recognition from the men and women who continue to sacrifice so much for our country," said Rep. Castle.  "The IAVA are important watchdogs in Congress who make sure that legislators advance the priorities of our soldiers and fight for the benefits they deserve, such as pay, housing, health benefits, and education opportunities."   

“IAVA Action’s 2008 Congressional Report Card recognizes those lawmakers who refused to compromise on the most important issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans,” said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).  “From passing a new GI Bill to increasing VA funding by over 10 billion dollars, the 110th Congress has made tremendous progress on behalf of America’s newest generation of heroes.  Over the last two years, Congressman Castle has demonstrated that he is a great friend to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.  IAVA Action is proud to give Congressman Castle an A and would like to thank him for his leadership on these critical issues.”

Based on the legislative priorities of IAVA Action, 22 key votes on veterans' issues in the 110th Congress were selected for the Report Card, which includes 13 votes in the House and 9 in the Senate, that cover the entire range of issues facing new veterans, including veterans' health care, the new GI Bill, mental health, and support for homeless veterans.  Scores are based on how often legislators took the pro-veteran position and voted with IAVA Action.  For every vote in line with IAVA Action and in support of veterans, the lawmaker receives one point while those who vote against the position of IAVA Action, or those who fail to vote, do not receive a point.  Additionally, IAVA Action awarded any Senator or Congressman who was a cosponsor of the Post-9/11 GI Bill (S. 22 and H.R. 5740) two additional points.

For more information or to view the score for other Members of Congress, visit www.VeteranReportCard.org.