Veterans
Our nation’s veterans have provided an invaluable service to our country. However, their unwavering dedication and bravery to defend our liberty often comes with great sacrifices. Many times, veterans require medical care and supplemental benefits as a result of their service. I believe we owe the men and women who served the United States of America at least that much. Therefore, I have firmly supported a cost of living increase for veterans since 2011.
Additionally, I am committed to eliminating fraud in our veterans’ programs. All too often, lies about false military service are used to defraud the government and earn unwarranted veterans' benefits. We must ensure there is sufficient funding for veterans who truly need these important benefits.
In a related manner, on March 1, 2013, sequestration, a set of automatic across-the-board spending cuts, went into effect. It is important to note that all programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs were exempt from sequestration, including programs such as disability compensation, pensions, and education and healthcare benefits.
I will continue to work diligently to ensure that our veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
More on Veterans
WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) today issued the following statement regarding Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, 2016:
WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, today looked back on the 114th Congress and highlighted his record of achievement in a variety of areas, including saving taxpayers more than $3 billion, combating the opioid epidemic, negotiating a new Highway Bill, protecting the steel industry, and strengthening after school programs for children. The 114th Congress opened in January 2015 and already has concluded much of its business leading into its final session days in November and December of this year. The 114th Congress has constituted Barletta’s third term in the U.
Rep. Barletta (left) presents long-overdue medals to Navy veteran Steve Beeman in a ceremony at the family business, Beeman’s Baked Goods in Carlisle.
Rep. Barletta (center) presented medals to Navy veteran William Monk, Jr. (left) and to Leo J. Boris (right), accepting on behalf of his father, Army veteran Leo E. Boris (deceased) of Hazleton.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) today supported legislation to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the wake of scandalous revelations of lengthy wait times for health care services, which resulted in the deaths of numerous veterans. The VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016 (H.R.
WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta (PA-11) today announced the distribution of a series of grants from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to various organizations and charities that benefit veterans in Pennsylvania’s 11th Congressional District. The grants are part of the Supportive Services for Veterans Families program, which helps low-income veterans and their families avoid homelessness.
Rep. Barletta presented overdue medals to area veterans at a ceremony in Hazleton.
From left to right: James N. Richert, Gertrude Wenner (on behalf of her late husband, Kenneth), Rep. Barletta, and Myron M. Diehl, Jr.
Rep. Barletta presents medals to Gary Shearer, son of World War II veteran Cpl. Lester Michael Shearer,
who was killed in action in Italy in 1945.
Rep. Barletta presents a Purple Heart to U.S. Army Private First Class Robert A. Bennett (Ret.)
WASHINGTON – Congressman Lou Barletta, PA-11, and Democratic Rep.