Working for Veterans

A message from Representative Hanna

As your representative in Congress, I am committed to ensuring that our nation maintains a strong defense, provides for its military personnel, and keeps the promises made to veterans and their families.

While I fully support a climate of principled fiscal discipline in Washington, I understand that we cannot reduce spending at the expense of our nation’s security or on the backs of our servicemen and women. I will continue to support policies in Congress that make wise use of taxpayer dollars and prioritize national defense, our service members, and veterans. Should you have questions or concerns at any time, I encourage you to contact my office by phone or through this website.

In addition, if you are a veteran or active-duty service member in need of assistance with a federal agency, please contact my district office at 315-724-9740.  Whether you are having trouble filing a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs or initiating an inquiring with the Department of Defense, my office can help guide you through the process.  We work for you!

Recent veterans and defense news

NDAA Bill Passes, No BRAC in 2017

Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2016, which determined there will be no military base realignments or closures in 2017 and it includes a number of provisions to assist Upstate’s service members and veterans...

Read More
____________________________________________________________

Hanna Announces New VA Clinic Coming to Binghamton

U.S. Representative Richard Hanna today announced that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will construct a new Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Binghamton to assist veterans in the Southern Tier...

Read More
____________________________________________________________

Hanna to Vote Against Iran Deal

For decades, Iran has sown uncertainty in the Middle East with devastating and unacceptable consequences for our interests in the region and for the security of our allies.  With this in mind, I also recognize that Iran is a remarkably advanced society, with a complex political system and a centuries-long history...

Read More
____________________________________________________________

Recent legislation cosponsored by Representative Hanna 

H.R. 1603 – The Military Sexual Assault Victims Empowerment Act, or SAVE Act: This legislation amends the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act to allow all veterans who are survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) the option of seeking treatment outside of the VA health care system.  While seeking such care may not be the most appropriate choice for every veteran, this legislation ultimately expands the health care options available to MST survivors.  By allowing veterans to seek non-VA care, it also reduces the stigma that many have faced when pursuing mental health services inside the VA system.

H.R. 1096 – Real Choice for Veterans Act: This bill would amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act to allow veterans to seek non-VA medical care if they reside more than 40 miles from the closest VA medical facility that is able to provide the care and services they need.  Currently, regulations prohibit a veteran from seeking non-VA care if they live within 40 miles of a VA medical facility, regardless of whether that facility provides the care they require.

H.R. 1247 – Improving Veterans Access to Quality Care Act of 2015: This bill would allow advanced nurses, especially those returning from active-duty military status, expanded practicing rights in VA medical facilities.  The legislation would help fill VA personnel gaps and provide employment opportunities for highly trained service members transitioning from active-duty.

H.R. 359 – Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act: This bill would authorize a five-year pilot program to assess the effectiveness of service dogs in helping veterans cope with posttraumatic stress disorders. Research suggests that service dogs have played an important role in the individual recovery processes of many soldiers returning from active-duty combat operations.

H.R. 969 – Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act: This bill would authorize the presumptive status for VA Agent Orange claims made by veterans that served on Vietnam’s territorial seas during the Vietnam War.