Gunner's Blog

SERIES OF VETERANS BILLS PASS CONGRESS

Jones pleased to announce funding for medical facilities in Greenville and Wilmington

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Third District Congressman Walter B. Jones and the House of Representatives today voted to pass three bills to improve veteran’s health programs and benefits. H.R. 3936, S. 2486, and S. 2484 were all previously amended and passed by the Senate and today were passed by the House unanimously by a voice vote.

H.R. 3936, the Veterans Health Programs Improvement Act of 2004, includes a provision to authorize over $1.2 million each to VA hospitals in Greenville and Wilmington, North Carolina. It also authorizes an increase of $24 million in grant funding for assistance to homeless veterans.
“I am delighted that North Carolina is slated to receive this extra money for two of its veterans’ facilities,” Jones said. “Veterans are such an important group of individuals who deserve to receive tangible symbols of our gratitude to them for their great service to our nation. This funding for our area clinics will help give North Carolina’s veterans the best care they deserve in both Greenville and Wilmington.”

The other two bills passed were the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 2004 and the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act of 2004. Together they will enhance veterans programs for education, housing, employment, and medical benefits as well as reform the compensation system and work schedules of doctors and nurses in VA health care facilities. Some of the changes and new benefits include an increase in educational assistance allowance, an additional $250 in dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for surviving spouses with at least one child under 18, an increase in housing grants for the disabled, and clarifications to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

“Today was a great day for America’s veterans,” Jones said. “The measures passed today will help improve the quality of life for veterans in North Carolina and all across the country.”



For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones please contact Kristen Quigley at (202) 225-3415.