Veterans & Military
Caring for our veterans and active military involves more than thanking them for their service. As veterans return home, our nation has an obligation to assist them in preparing to reenter into civilian life, including access to earned benefits, education, jobs and opportunities.
Brian’s fight for those who fight for our nation includes protecting the needs of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and its future, and supporting the services provided through the Veteran Administration Western New York Healthcare System.
Higgins has successfully pushed through legislation ensuring blinded veterans and Blue Water Vietnam veterans receive the benefits they deserve. He cosponsored legislation expanding the successful Veteran Treatment Court program, which began in Buffalo, to communities across the nation. And he repeatedly fought to maintain the Kids Korner program which provides free child care services to veterans during medical appointments at the Buffalo VA Hospital.
More on Veterans & Military
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced passage of bills aimed at honoring and supporting our nation’s veterans through improvements in healthcare, mental health care and earned benefit programs.
Higgins said, “Our nation’s veterans are heroes. When they return to civilian life they deserve the support of our communities and the nation they selflessly served. From assistance with healthcare to ensuring the promise of their earned benefits, we are proud to deliver this comprehensive set of bills that honor and respect their sacrifices.”
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), New York State Senator Tim Kennedy and members of the Western New York community came together to celebrate the military service of Carmelo Lopez-Febus. Private First Class Lopez-Febus was presented with the Congressional Gold Medal for serving in the 65th Infantry Regiment known as “The Borinqueneers” during the Korean War.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) joined Western New York postal workers and residents in expressing outrage and opposition to operational changes which threaten to sabotage the United States Postal Service (USPS). The community gathered in front of the William Street mail processing facility in Buffalo, as the Congressman prepares to head to Washington, DC where the House of Representatives will vote on legislation to protect and provide emergency relief to the USPS.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) says the announcement by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy indicating he is temporarily pausing sweeping changes to the United States Postal Service (USPS) doesn’t demonstrate the Postmaster has a true understanding of what the Postal Service means to Americans and provides no confidence that sabotage of the Postal Service won’t continue.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is among over 170 Members of Congress pushing back on recent efforts by the Trump Administration to diminish services and refuse funding for the United States Postal Service.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) joined a group of 89 members calling on Congressional leadership to include funding for the census in the next COVID-19 relief package, accompanied by a necessary extension to census reporting deadlines. The letter follows a recent announcement by the Census Bureau to suddenly end field data collection by September 30.
The Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act (H.R. 886), a bipartisan bill cosponsored by Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), has been signed into law. This legislation provides support for and assistance to those brave Americans who have dutifully served in the armed forces.
In recognition of National Purple Heart Day, August 7, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) honored the valiant service of World War II veteran Nicholas Sanabria. At the Purple Heart Monument at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, John A. Sanabria––himself a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War––was presented with several medals on behalf of his father, including a Purple Heart Medal.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced passage of H.R. 2420, the National Museum of the American Latino Act. The bipartisan bill, cosponsored by Higgins, establishes the National Museum of the American Latino in the Smithsonian Institution. Separate legislation approved last week honors Puerto Rican veterans who served in the 65th Infantry Regiment.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the House of Representatives approved the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2020 (H.R. 6168), providing veterans with service-connected disabilities and survivors of disabled veterans with a proposed increased rate of compensation matching the cost-of-living adjustment provided to Social Security recipients.