As a retired Marine, husband of a career Army nurse, and father of a son who has served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, I take seriously my congressional responsibility to provide our troops, veterans, and their families the unwavering support they deserve. Initiatives I've championed on behalf of veterans serve as clear examples of Washington can do when cameras are turned off, sleeves are rolled up, and petty political differences are put aside.
I make it a priority to ensure we keep our promises to our heroes:
Holding the VA Accountable: Since media reports in 2014 highlighted the lack of accountability across the VA, further problems have continued to surface including allegations of falsified records and manipulation of scheduling data at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. I have continuously worked to hold the VA accountable by joining the Minnesota delegation in sending a letter to the Secretary of the VA demanding answers on the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and championing bipartisan legislation to increase flexibility to remove employees of the VA for mismanagement and misconduct (H.R. 1994 in 2015 and H.R. 4031 in 2014) among other reform legislation in Congress. Our men and women in uniform from yesterday to today have sacrificed a great deal in service to our nation, and I remain committed to holding the VA accountable and ensuring promises made to our veterans are promises kept.
Protecting Veterans from Unfair VA Billing: In the summer of 2015, I was notified the VA discovered unbilled co-pay amounts for inpatient care provided to veterans over a five-year period. Most concerning, veterans are assessed co-pays ranging from $1,000-$3,000 because the VA erred in not charging veterans at the time of care. These charges have appeared on veterans’ upcoming monthly statements. In an effort to protect our veterans from being unexpectedly saddled with bills, I led a letter with my Minnesota colleagues to the VA calling on them to address this. I also spoke with VA Sec. McDonald personally to share my frustration and press for a quick resolution for these veterans. In September, 2015 I introduced legislation that will protect veterans from erroneous and untimely billing practices by the VA and am working to get this legislation signed into law.
Restoring TRICARE Health Coverage: In 2013, the Pentagon dropped more than 170,000 veterans, including 4,000 Minnesotans, from their TRICARE health coverage. I continues to champion bipartisan legislation that would ensure these veterans could regain their health coverage they earned. My bipartisan legislation passed the U.S. House as part of the Fiscal Year 2014 and Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Acts.
Protecting Victims of Sexual Assault in the National Guard: I introduced H.R. 4863 - National Guard and Reserve Equal Access to Legal Services Act in the 113th Congress. The legislation provided members of the National Guard and Reserve access to important legal resources in the aftermath of a sexual assault. Under current policy, a member of the Minnesota National Guard who was sexually assaulted while not on drill weekend or military duty cannot access critical Special Victims Counsel (SVC) services. An SVC, which is made available by my legislation, helps and assists victims so they can come forward and receive the support they need. The legislation was included in the FY15 Defense Authorization signed by the President into law.
Reducing Bureaucratic Delays: After hearing from Minnesota veterans about unnecessarily lengthy delays in evaluation and treatment for those injured in service – a backlog with an average wait time of 398 days – I introduced legislation to break through the bureaucratic red tape and it passed overwhelmingly in the House.
Restoring Promised Paid Leave: After learning from the Minnesota National Guard about an unfair policy change made after the Red Bulls were already deployed to Kuwait, Kline fought the Pentagon and championed legislation that is now law restoring promised paid leave days to members of the Minnesota National Guard.
Making Available “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon”: Developed by the Minnesota Guard, the “Beyond the Yellow Ribbon” program prepares combat veterans and their families for a safe, healthy, and successful reintegration. I championed legislation that made the Minnesota Guard’s “Yellow Ribbon” reintegration program available to units nationwide. This program represents the best practices of Minnesota, and other states and territories that are providing reintegration services.
Eliminating Ban on Concurrent Receipt: I helped advance bipartisan legislation which over a short period eliminates the ban on concurrent receipt of military retirement pay and veterans disability compensation.Under this legislation, members of the military would eventually be able to receive their full retirement check and disability compensation check each month without any garnish from the government.
Preserving Military Funerals: I introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Senator Klobuchar to ensure ceremonial rifle squads nationwide had the resources they needed from the Army to complete their mission. In response to my actions on the issue, the Secretary of the Army did not recoup excess rifles from the ceremonial rifle squad, and the squad has the resources they need to complete their mission. My legislation was included in the FY13 National Defense Authorization Act, and the Army continues to allow the Fort Snelling rifle squad members to keep their preferred rifles to this day because of my efforts.
