Senate Passes Important

[Berta]

Last night as many here know- COngressman Filner had to vote in the House on some important legislation for veterans-and could not make the SVR show- He will return in the future-

I dont know what the status is on what Congressman Filner voted on but this just came out from the Senate:

Courtest Jerrel Cook SVR and hadit member:

"VAEmail (Veterans Affairs)" <_@VETAFF.SENATE.GOV> wrote:

Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:26:12 -0400

From: "VAEmail (Veterans Affairs)" <_@VETAFF.SENATE.GOV>

Subject: SENATE PASSES VETERANS BENEFITS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2007

To: VETAFF-DEMS@VETAFF.ENEWS.SENATE.GOV

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kawika Riley (Veterans’ Affairs)

April 24, 2008 (202) 224-9126

SENATE PASSES VETERANS BENEFITS ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2007

Comprehensive bill expands support for disabled veterans, job training,

and provides historic Filipino veterans equity

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, elatedly applauded his colleagues in the Senate for passing S. 1315, the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 by a vote of 96 to 1. Prior to voting on final passage of the bill, the Senate debated an amendment to remove a provision providing a limited pension for Filipino World War II veterans residing in the Philippines. This amendment was defeated by a vote of 56 to 41, with Akaka leading the charge for the Filipino veterans’ pension.

“The Filipino veterans of World War II fought bravely under U.S. military command, helping us win the war only to lose their veteran status by an Act of Congress. I commend my colleagues for supporting those veterans who stood with us,” said Akaka.

Akaka continued, “I am also very pleased that the Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 can finally move forward. This bill makes needed improvements to veterans’ benefits by expanding and increasing support for veterans, their families, and their survivors. I urge my colleagues in the House to act swiftly on this much needed bill.”

This comprehensive, budget-neutral omnibus veterans’ benefits bill was approved by the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs last June and reported to the full Senate last August.

The Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 would provide a veterans’ pension to Filipino veterans of World War II residing in the U.S. and in the Philippines. Under the proposed bill, veterans residing in the Philippines would receive a smaller pension than those residing in the U.S., to account for differences in cost-of-living in the two countries.

The Veterans Benefits Enhancement Act of 2007 also includes a multitude of improvements to veterans’ benefits, including provisions to:

Establish a new program of insurance for service-connected disabled veterans;

Expand eligibility for retroactive benefits from traumatic injury protection coverage under Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance;

Increase the maximum amount of Veterans’ Mortgage Life Insurance that a service-connected disabled veteran may purchase;

Provide individuals with severe burn injuries specially adapted housing benefits; and

Extend for two years the monthly educational assistance allowance for apprenticeship or other on-the-job training

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives.

-END-

www.angelfire.com/ca2/arresteddecaymusic/jerrelcook.html

[Jayg]

That's good news anyway.

Especially those Filipinos deserve their share. The served under the most horrendous conditions. We likely couldn't have rescued the prisoners from Cabanatuan(sp?) either.

But a real problem I see for many of them is establishing wartime service. what defines "serving"? There was no active regular US presense through much of their service. The Guerillas didn't exactly keep track of 'enlistments."

As for the rest, who knows what will happen to the bill in the House. Don't mean nuthin till it's signed and by then we probably won't want it.

[Guest maddog66]

I think it is wonderful that these WWII veterans receive their long over due benefits. It is sad, however, to see that our government has been asleep at the switch regarding a hugh Tricare fraud exceeding $100 million. Can anyone imagine how much $100 million would help the VA provide benefits? This is astonishing and makes me sick. There are no penalties sufficient to punish those who are involved in this fraud.

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/04/ap_h...e_fraud_042308/

[allan]

If it isn't the People, Congress, or DVA/NSO's using any tatic to devide us, theres the constant, never ending tricare battle.

I encourage you and support your right to express your feelings. On the otherhand. This post is not about tricare or you.

In my opinion your way out of line and completely desirespectful to those who served under such harsh conditions.

You obviously don't mind being disrespectful to those who served our country and retired by your post. Do you honestly think your post helps your cause?

This bill helps whats left of these vets. It will never, never erase the suffering the Vet and family went through.

TRICARE? What the hell does it have to do with it??????????????

Maybe we need a forum named, "to hell with everyone but us, TRICARE". Than you could post there by your self, all day long.

These Vets and their families will never get what they deserve.

The least YOU could do is give them the respect they deserve, so their serviving families can feel equal to tricare benefits.

Good one maddog. You be proud now.

[Guest maddog66]

If it isn't the People, Congress, or DVA/NSO's using any tatic to devide us, theres the constant, never ending tricare battle.

I encourage you and support your right to express your feelings. On the otherhand. This post is not about tricare or you.

In my opinion your way out of line and completely desirespectful to those who served under such harsh conditions.

You obviously don't mind being disrespectful to those who served our country and retired by your post. Do you honestly think your post helps your cause?

This bill helps whats left of these vets. It will never, never erase the suffering the Vet and family went through.

TRICARE? What the hell does it have to do with it??????????????

Maybe we need a forum named, "to hell with everyone but us, TRICARE". Than you could post there by your self, all day long.

These Vets and their families will never get what they deserve.

The least YOU could do is give them the respect they deserve, so their serviving families can feel equal to tricare benefits.

Good one maddog. You be proud now.

[Guest maddog66]

I reget that you are offended. As I stated I am pleased that these WWII soldiers recieved their just dues. I am 64 years old and a veteran of Vietnam, Desert Storm, Desert Shield and OIF/OEF, one of very few to have served in 3 conflicts. I will no longer participate in this forum nor do I need a lecture from you concerning service to this nation.

[Testvet]

The sad part of this anger over the tricare fraud has nothing to do with vet benefits for the Filipino's they were promised the benefits in 1945, then in 1946 we took them away the fraud was committed by retired Americans living in the Philipinnes after retiring and their doctors, the fraud was known about for years and DOD allowed it to continue for at least 5 years shame on DOD and the Americans who did it, but these 80 year old WW2 veterans had NOTHING to do with it they deserve their benefits this nation used and then forgot them this will not make up for the past 50 years of neglect it just allows them to die with a little bit of dignity and vindication