Sheila Jackson Lee: “I proudly stand in strong support of H.R. 4601, the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, which will authorize…”

“I proudly stand in strong support of H.R. 4601, the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, which will authorize the VA to provide grants to states to implement programs that improve outreach and assistance to veterans and their families to ensure that such individuals are fully informed about veterans' benefits and programs. As our veterans have put their lives on the line for defense of our nation, we must do everything in our power to support them when they return home after their service. This bill achieves this goal by increasing outreach to veterans and their families to ensure that they are fully informed about their benefits and can get the assistance they need to apply for and get the benefits to which they are entitled. According to a report by the Department of Veterans Affairs, America has over 19 million veterans, of whom over 1,567,000 live in Texas, the second most of any state. Over 179,000 live in Harris County and about 29,000 live in my district. Of the total veteran population, the VA reports that only 49% (9.8 million out of 20.0 million) used at least one VA benefit or service in FY 2017. That percentage is far too low. Too few veterans are taking advantage of the programs and services available to them to cope with the ravages of war. Their ailments include everything from respiratory problems caused by burn-pit toxic exposure to combat conditions such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).…”