Washington, DC, Dec 13, 2006 -

U.S. Congressman John Carter (TX-31) voted in favor of an important bill that extends critical health care, education, and other assistance to our nation’s veterans and their families. Congressman Carter sits on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs, which is responsible for funding for the programs that benefit our nation’s veterans.

“Ensuring that our veterans have access to the assistance needed to help them transition to civilian life is a priority of mine,” Congressman Carter said. “Our veterans have selflessly sacrificed so we might continue to live in a free America. It is important that we show them the same respect and care as they have shown to our country and its citizens. Providing veterans with critical benefits is the least we can do to thank them for their dedication and service.”

The House overwhelmingly passed the Veterans Programs Extension Act of 2006, which provides important mental and physical health care services to veterans. It also extends the Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ (VA) work study program, giving veterans guidance as they begin a new career path. Further, the bill authorizes the VA to provide education benefits under chapter 35 to spouses and dependent children of severely injured service members prior to the member’s discharge, allowing individuals to receive benefits sooner than under current law.

Reauthorize health care services for veterans exposed to chemical and biological testing under Projects 112 and SHAD, and extend treatment and rehabilitation programs for seriously mentally ill and homeless veterans;

Extend VA’s grant and per diem program for homeless veterans, and the VA’s Advisory Committee on Homeless Veterans, and the program to provide government markers for veterans interred in private cemeteries;

Extend the VA’s work study program wherein veterans assist VA and other government agencies. The work study program is an increasingly popular benefit that provides veterans with an alternative use of their GI Bill if they choose not to go to college;

Reauthorize the requirement for the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to each submit a report to Congress on use of educational assistance programs by veterans and service members. It would also reauthorize the biennial report on women veterans;

Permanently authorize six Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Centers, and codify two existing multiple sclerosis centers;

Make technical and clerical amendments to title 38, and codify the payment amounts of the already enacted veterans’ disability compensation COLA.