Pittenger to President: Time for Action!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER TO PRESIDENT OBAMA: ANOTHER NICE SPEECH, BUT HOW ABOUT SOME REAL ACTION?

CHARLOTTE – Today, President Barack Obama addressed the American Legion National Convention about delivering quality health care to veterans, ensuring veterans have the opportunity to pursue the American Dream, and eliminating the disability claims backlog.

Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09), whose staff has directly assisted more than 1000 veterans since taking office last year, had this reaction:

“President Obama made another campaign stop today in Charlotte, with a nice speech about helping soldiers achieve the American Dream.  Now is the time to turn his words into action.  House Republicans long-ago approved two bills focusing on creating jobs for veterans.  One bill has been gathering dust on Senator Harry Reid’s desk since last October!

“If President Obama is serious about helping veterans achieve the American Dream, he should immediately call Senator Reid and demand a vote on the “Veterans Economic Opportunity Act” and the “Hire More Heroes Act.”

“President Obama is also continuing to talk about improving health care for veterans.  As Chief Executive, his time would be better spent working to implement the bipartisan Veterans Administration reform legislation approved by the House and Senate this summer.  President Obama needs to inspect for what he expects.  Our veterans deserve action.

“President Obama is right to honor our brave veterans.  But when he returns to Washington this afternoon, my hope is he will begin to walk the talk.”

The Veterans Economic Opportunity Act (H.R. 2481) was approved by a bipartisan majority on October 28, 2013.  The Hire More Heroes Act (H.R. 3474) was approved by a near-unanimous vote on March 11, 2014.

Congressman Pittenger is currently working with Garland Denny, a decorated local veteran, to advance a proposal for increasing funding for veterans services without increasing federal costs or the tax burden.  A meeting with White House staff and Post Office officials is scheduled for later this week.

Congressman Pittenger’s staff has more than a decade of experience helping local veterans cut through red tape at the VA.  Any local veterans needing assistance are welcome to call Congressman Pittenger’s office at 704-362-1060.

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