Congressman Denham Introduces Bill to Extend Military and Commissary Privileges to Disabled Veterans

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) has introduced legislation to extend military commissary and exchange store privileges to disabled veterans and their families.

“Our service men and women risk their lives every day to protect our country and I’m committed to making sure we preserve the rights, protections and benefits that America's brave and heroic veterans deserve,” said Denham. “This legislation is a common-sense bill that will provide much needed help for our disabled veterans and their families. I will continue to work on behalf of our veterans in Congress to take the best care possible of our brave and deserving veterans.”

Commissary benefits are part of the military pay and benefits package that is designed to recruit and retain Armed Forces while enhancing the quality of life and readiness for America's military personnel, retirees and their families.  Access to commissaries and exchanges is generally limited to military retirees who are retired from the military under either longevity or disability criteria. Denham’s legislation, H.R. 6488, would extend commissary and exchange store privileges to veterans with a service-connected disability and their families.

Rep. Denham has received support from the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for H.R. 6488, and original co-sponsors of the bill include Reps. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, and Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

“Part of the healing process is being part of a family—a network—and this legislation is one way we can show these men and women their sacrifice is still recognized,” stated Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “This bill will greatly assist our wounded warriors and their families not only financially, but will help them feel that they are still part of the greater military family.”