House Veterans Sub Committee making some progress

VETERANS BEAT: PROGRESS FOR VETS ON THE LEGISLATIVE FRONT
Hudson Hub Times
by Ron Seman
Published: December 16, 2012

We're at those traditionally known times of the year that are often referred to as "slow news days." On the national scene, public officials usually engaged in proposing legislation helpful to veterans are looking forward to the Christmas holidays much as we are. However, there are other unusual matters that are commanding their attention.

Hopefully, the differences that exist among members of the Washington folks will be resolved and we can all look forward to a New Year full of much needed promise and success.

Last week, according to the VFW Washington Weekly newsletter, the House VA Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held an oversight hearing entitled, "Wading through Warehouses of Paper: The Challenges of Transitioning Veterans Records to Paperless Technology." The Subcommittee has had many hearings on the subject of joint claims and has asked witnesses to discuss innovative ways to move the Veterans Benefits Administration into the 21st Century. During the hearing, Subcommittee Chairman Jon Runyan (R-NJ) expressed the need for better collaboration between the VA and DoD to aid veterans who are transitioning out of the service. The VFW will continue monitoring the process as we move into the 113th Congress.

Bipartisan Pair of Lawmakers Work to Help Vets: The 112th Congress has been labeled "do nothing" with good reason: it's passed fewer bills than almost any Congress since World War II.

This is according to Ledyard King of the Gannett Washington Bureau.

But amid the partisan gridlock, lawmakers have quietly approved a number of important bills designed to improve life for veterans. And they've come at a time of tight spending when almost nothing passes that isn't fully paid for.
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