Senate Approves Bipartisan Measures Senator Hassan Helped Introduce to Reform VA, Support Veterans

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate approved last week several bipartisan measures that Senator Maggie Hassan helped introduce to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs and to better support veterans as they transition to civilian life. The bipartisan Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 passed the Senate, while the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2017 and provisions of the Better Workforce for Veterans Act have passed both the House and Senate and are awaiting the President’s signature.

“Our veterans have selflessly sacrificed to keep us safe, secure, and free, and we must do everything in our power to ensure that they have the support they need and deserve,” Senator Hassan said. “From streamlining the VA appeals process and addressing crippling workforce shortages at the VA, to improving education benefits for our veterans and enhancing the post-9/11 G.I. Bill, the Senate has approved important measures that I was proud to support so that our veterans can thrive in civilian life. I will continue working across party lines to support our veterans and their families and to help build a stronger America that is ever worthy of their service.”

Senator Hassan joined Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and others in introducing the bipartisan Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act of 2017 to help reduce wait times and improve the process for New Hampshire and America’s veterans seeking benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. After the legislation is approved by the House, which already passed a similar version, the legislation will go to the President for his signature.

In addition, provisions of a bipartisan bill Senator Hassan helped introduce – the Better Workforce for Veterans Act – passed the House and Senate and are heading to the President’s desk for signature. Senator Hassan supported this bipartisan bill, which is designed to address the crippling workforce shortages at the Department of Veterans Affairs in order to improve the health care delivery for veterans.

Finally, the bipartisan Harry W. Colmery Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2017 that Senator Hassan helped introduce passed the House and Senate and is awaiting President Trump’s signature. This bill seeks to improve veteran education benefits and enhance the post-9/11 G.I. Bill.

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