Political Quotes

“Mr. President, as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I introduce legislation that would provide VA with the means to better protect those VA beneficiaries who have fidicuiaries appointed to look after their affairs. This bill would improve oversight of fiduciaries by authorizing VA to access records at financial institutions for up to 3 years. Under current law, VA has a 3-month time limit on the authorization to view financial records maintained by a fiduciary, a time period which has proven to be inadequate. In addition, VA lacks the authority to compel a fiduciary to provide a Social Security number or other identifying information needed to track financial records. The legislation I am introducing today is modeled on Social Security laws and procedures. It will help VA ensure that veterans' monies are not being misused. It would allow VA to require that any person appointed or recognized by VA as a fiduciary be required to sign an authorization for release of records which would be in effect for up to 3 years. If a fiduciary refuses to sign or revokes an authorization, VA would be authorized to remove the fiduciary. The Committee held a hearing on pending legislation on May 19, 2010, and witnesses from The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars spoke on the need to strengthen VA's oversight of fiduciaries. I urge our colleagues to support this bill to protect VA beneficiaries who need assistance with financial management. Mr.…”