U.S SENATOR RUSS FEINGOLD -- 2001 LISTENING SESSION

Muskego, WI – U.S. Senator Russ Feingold today highlighted his support for two measures to help Wisconsin’s veterans and their families get the benefits they deserve. One bill helps ensure that veterans receive the full benefits to which they are entitled, and the other assists veterans’ families who are seeking a headstone or commemorative marker for a veteran’s burial site.

"Red tape and complicated rules often make it hard for veterans to get the recognition and benefits they deserve," Feingold said. "That’s why eliminating some of this red tape is one of my priorities in the 107th Congress."

The Veterans Headstones and Markers Bill would provide commemorative markers and headstones to all families of veterans who request them. Every year, Feingold receive numerous complaints from families of veterans who are upset because they can’t receive markers honoring their loved ones, simply because they didn’t know of an outdated provision that provides commemorative markers to families of veterans only if the veteran’s grave is unmarked. "These families shouldn’t have to deal with these complicated, outdated provisions, especially when they are coping with the loss of a family member," Feingold said. "All veterans should have commemorative markers if they want them – not just those veterans whose families have been told about the ins and outs of the VA."

Feingold also introduced the National I Owe You Bill along with Senator Kit Bond (R-MO), which is based on the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs’ I Owe You program. The bill is designed to ensure that all eligible veterans get the full benefits they are entitled to receive. The National I Owe You Act would create programs that identify eligible veterans who are not receiving benefits, notify veterans of changes in benefit programs and encourage veterans to apply for benefits. "The American people are indebted to our veterans," Feingold said. "It’s time that we do right by our veterans and honor the commitment that we made to our men and women when they signed up for duty."

Feingold’s 18th Listening Session of 2001, and 594th session since he was first elected in 1992, was held at Muskego Public Library, beginning at 9:15 a.m. Feingold’s 19th Listening Session of 2001, and 595th since he was first elected, was held at the Jefferson County Courthouse beginning at 3:30 p.m.