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Press Room |
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Sponsored 109th |
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About Stephanie |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Legislative Focus to Include 9/11 Commission Report, Lewis & Clark, Mandatory COOL, Key Legislation for Vets and Native Americans Herseth also said she will work this week with fellow members of the Veterans’ Affairs committee to ensure that the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act includes two important measures that she introduced. Earlier this year, Herseth introduced H.R.5153, the Native American Veterans Home Loan Act, and H.R.4950a bill to extend the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War. The Veterans Benefits Improvement Act has been approved by the Senate and is scheduled to reach the House floor on Wednesday under the suspension calendar. “I was disappointed that Congress broke for its October recess leaving so much important legislation on the table,” Herseth said. “With the election season behind us, I am pleased to return to work for South Dakota’s priorities in Congress.” Herseth noted that she is hopeful that the two measures she introduced will be included in the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act, and will pass the House: “I’m optimistic that my legislation will pass the House and help ensure the federal government fulfills its promises with respect to those who served our country.” Herseth also added that while the $17.5 million already earmarked for Lewis & Clark is a good start, she will continue to call for an increase in that funding in conference. Herseth believes full funding of Lewis & Clark and other key water projects across the state is crucial to continued economic development and public health across South Dakota. H.R.5153, Native American Veterans Home Loan Act of 2004, which Rep. Herseth introduced on September 28, will extend the Native American veteran housing loan pilot program until December 31, 2008. The VA pilot program provides direct home loans to eligible Native American Veterans who wish to purchase, construct, or improve a home on Native American Trust lands. This extension will allow more veterans living on trust lands to take advantage of this important benefit, which is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2005. Since its inception of the pilot program in 1992, the VA has made more than 400 direct loans to Native American veterans, which can be used to purchase, construct, or improve a home on Native American trust land. The VA direct loans are generally limited to either the cost of the home or $80,000, depending on which is less. H.R.4950, introduced by Herseth on July 22, extends to 2009 the requirement that the Advisory Committee on Former Prisoners of War submit biennial reports to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the programs and activities of the Department of Veterans Affairs that pertain to former prisoners of war. The bill would require reports from the Advisory Committee of Former Prisoners of War every two years through 2009, a six-year extension of current law. The advisory committee reviews department policies and makes suggestions to improve compensation, rehabilitation programs and health care benefits for former POWs.
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