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 $2.8 million in federal funding toward a construction project at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station (NFARS). The resources will be used toward building a Combined Operations and Alert Facility, a priority project for the 914th Airlift Wing. Funding for the base was supported by Higgins, included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and approved by the House of Representatives on December 7, 2022.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) named nine local residents to serve on a Service Academy Advisory Committee. The panel met on December 4, 2022 to interview local high school students applying to one of the U.S. service academies and to recommend those deserving of a nomination.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the approval of the VA Infrastructure Powers Exceptional Research Act, the VIPER Act (H.R.5721). This legislation will bolster research efforts at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, particularly within the Veterans Health Administration, that advance health care for thousands of veterans and civilians around the world.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) honored 11 local veterans during a ceremony at the Buffalo and Erie Country Naval & Military Park, awarding 73 service medals & ribbons earned by Western New York veterans Richard Cohen, Donald Cohen, Louis Harrison, Rose Hyman, Wade Lewis, Monica Lynch, Joseph Murphy, Richard Reisch, Tommie Wagstaff, Renee Wiley, and Edward A.
This week President Joe Biden signed into law a bill, introduced by Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26), honoring World War II Veteran Indiana Hunt-Martin.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced a $750,000 federal grant for the Veterans One-stop Center of WNY. The funding was awarded through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP).
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announces full Congressional approval of legislation (H.R.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) and representatives from the office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand are hosting a virtual Service Academy information event at 6:00 PM on Monday, October 3, 2022. The session provides an opportunity for Western New York high school students, families, school administrators, and counselors to learn more about service academy institutions, programs, and the application and nomination process.
Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced the Congress on Your Corner schedule for the months of September and October. Through the program, staff from Congressman Higgins’ office are available at satellite sites throughout the district to better serve the needs of constituents.
As the United States Coast Guard celebrates its 232nd birthday, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is paying tribute to Lt. Thomas James “Jimmy” Eugene Crotty. The U.S. Coast Guard Sector Buffalo Command Building was recently renamed to honor Lt. Crotty.