On the recordMay 23, 2017
I thank Ranking Member Walz. Mr. Speaker, first, I want to thank Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for giving me the opportunity to share my enthusiastic support for this bill, H.R. 2288. I also want to thank Mr. Bost and Ms. Esty for their remarkable leadership in guiding this legislation to the floor and for taking the steps to finally fix the appeals process. I stand here today to support the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act. This legislation reforms the VA appeals process so that our veterans can begin to receive the benefits they have earned through their dedication to our country. Veterans in California and all across America, including those in my district, currently face a backlog of sometimes more than 5 years to get their benefits. This is not acceptable, and that is why I am pleased to support this bipartisan legislation. A veteran who files a disability claim for an injury that they sustained during their military service is issued a VA rating decision, which either grants or denies a claim. If a veteran disagrees with the outcome, they may appeal the VA's decision and then wait and wait and wait. This bill will improve the process by creating a multiple appeal streams, which will accelerate the process. Our veterans who suffered injury during their time in service can now be assured that they will be one step closer to having their appeals cases reviewed and decided in a timely manner.
