Washington, DC–U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) today was honored by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) for his leadership and strong voting record on issues affecting our nation’s veterans. Johnson’s rating ranks him among the “A Team” on the IAVA annual scorecard, and he was recognized by IAVA’s Director of Government Affairs Todd Bowers.
“As the father of a soldier who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, I know the challenges this group of veterans face as the newest generation of soldiers who have fought to protect our country,” Johnson said. “It is an honor to receive this recognition by such a distinguished group of service members.”
The IAVA annually ranks members of Congress for their support of veterans issues. Johnson received the “A” rating for his consistency in key votes on legislation that established the new GI Bill and other legislation aimed at enhancing and expanding veterans’ benefits.
As Chairman of the Military Construction/Veterans Affairs (VA) Appropriations Subcommittee, Johnson has worked to fully fund the VA during the past two budget cycles. Funding levels in bills Johnson has authored have paid for increases in mileage reimbursement for veterans and funded new initiatives such as the updated GI Bill.
“Though we have improved funding for the VA during my chairmanship over the past two years, there is more to do to meet the health and benefits needs of our veterans. I will continue to work through my Chairmanship to enable the VA to care for all of our veterans,” Johnson said.
According to its web site, the IAVA is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the troops and veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those troops and veterans.
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