For Immediate Release: October 7, 2008

Congresswoman Sutton Receives A+ Grade from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

WASHINGTON, D.C - Congresswomen Betty Sutton (D-OH), has received an A+ grade on the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Veteran Report Card. The IAVA is a non-partisan advocate for our nation's returning soldiers and their families. Rankings in the Report Card were based on key veterans' legislation considered during the 110th Congress.

"I am extremely honored and proud to receive this distinction. Our brave soldiers and their families make tremendous sacrifices for our country and I believe their service must be honored. I have worked to ensure that our service men and women receive the benefits they deserve and I will continue this fight every day. It is not enough to simply pay tribute to our troops with words; we must show our appreciation through our actions," said Congresswoman Sutton.

Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of IAVA thanked Congresswoman Sutton for her leadership on veterans' issues in Congress.

"IAVA Action's 2008 Congressional Report Card recognizes those lawmakers who refused to compromise on the most important issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans," he said. "From passinga new GI Bill to increasing VA funding by over 10 billion dollars, the 110th Congress has made tremendous progress on behalf ofAmerica's newest generation of heroes. Congresswoman Sutton received an A+ from IAVA Action, and we would like to thank her for her leadership on these critical issues."

Congresswoman Sutton has been a tireless supporter of our military. Along with Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), she successfully led the effort to compensate soldiers affected by the Pentagon's stop loss policy. This policy forcibly prolongs a soldier's service beyond their enlistment, placing an emotional and financial burden on our service members and their families. To help relieve the strain, Congresswoman Sutton introduced H.R. 6205 the Stop Loss Compensation Act. In this year's continuing resolution, signed into law September 30, soldiers affected by the stop loss policy will now receive an additional $500 per month for their continued service. Click here for more information.

Congresswoman Sutton also passed House Resolution 1200 through the House of Representatives. This measure honors military support groups for their dedication and support of our service members and their families across the country. The resolution passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 374 to 0. Click here for more information.


Contact: Erin Donar at 202-225-3401 or Erin.Donar@mail.house.gov