Current Press Releases

VA Committee Unanimously Approves Seven Veterans’ Measures

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Washington, D.C. — The Committee on Veterans Affairs held a legislative mark-up today on seven bills to improve benefits and services for veterans and their families.

O&I Subcommittee Looks at VA Media Outreach to Veterans

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Washington, D.C. —The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing yesterday, July 15, 2008, on the implementation of the recent decision by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to use television advertising and marketing in its outreach plan toward veterans.  The Subcommittee used the hearing as a vital opportunity to ensure that the VA was using the proper scientific based research to implement its outreach policy, and not wasting taxpayer funds.

Health Subcommittee Approves Six Bills

Thursday, July 10, 2008
Washington, D.C. — Today, the Subcommittee on Health held a markup on six veteran health care bills: H.R. 1527 as amended, H.R. 6114, H.R. 6122, H.R. 6366, H.R. 6439, and H.R. 6445.  The bills were forwarded to the Full Committee by voice vote.

Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Assesses VA Independent Living Services

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Washington, D.C. — Today, the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity heard testimony regarding the independent living services the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides through its Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program.

Buyer Calls for Nationwide Investigation, Says Veteran Research Volunteers Must be Warned of Risks

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Washington D.C.The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held an oversight hearing yesterday regarding a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) smoking cessation study for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which for some participants prescribed Chantix, a drug that has the possible side effect of causing suicidal tendencies.

House Approves Veterans’ Legislation

Thursday, June 26, 2008
Washington, D.C. — This week, the House of Representatives approved the following veteran related bills.

Subcommittee Holds Mark-up to Approve Legislation

Thursday, June 26, 2008
Washington, D.C. — The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity held a legislative mark-up today on nine bills; H.R. 6225, H.R. 6224, H.R. 6221, H.R. 6272, H.R. 4255, H.R. 6070, H.R. 2910, H.R. 2398, H.R. 2721, covering issues confronting veterans and their families.

Subcommittee Looks at Reintegration of National Guard and Reserves

Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Washington, D.C. —The Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations held a hearing yesterday to determine how well the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) work together to assist in the reintegration of the National Guard and Reserves.

Diverse Issues Face Veterans and Their Families

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Washington, D.C. — The Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity heard testimony today on a number of bills covering diverse issues facing veterans and their families.

Buyer Calls for Investigation Regarding Potentially Harmful Drug Testing on Veterans

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Republican Member Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) human studies on the smoking cessation drug Chantix.  

Buyer Introduces Veterans and Survivors Dental Insurance Act of 2008

Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer (R-Ind.), introduced H.R. 6277, the Veterans and Survivors Dental Insurance Act of 2008. 

Committee Approves Subcommittee Assignments for Scalise, Buchanan

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the House Committee on Veterans Affairs approved assignments to fill two vacancies on the subcommittees.

House Passes Measure to Designate National D-Day Remembrance Day

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Washington, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives approved a resolution that expresses support for the designation of National D-Day Remembrance Day.

 

 

Committee Examines VA-DOD Progress on Improvements for Wounded Warriors

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Washington, D.C. Today, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing on the implementation of the wounded warrior provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008.

 

House Passes Measure in Honor of Disabled Veterans

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Washington, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives approved a bill honoring disabled veterans of the armed forces.

 

 

Remembering June 6, 1944

Friday, June 06, 2008

Washington, D.C. — Sixty-four years ago today, began the largest sea-borne invasion in military history. The Allied invasion of Normandy led to the defeat of Hitler and the Nazis’ stranglehold on Europe.

Buyer Issues Statement on Medal of Honor Recipient, Specialist Ross A. McGinnis

Monday, June 02, 2008
Washington, D.C. –Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) today released the following statement in recognition of U.S. Army Specialist Ross A. McGinnis of Knox, Penn., who has been awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.

Buyer Concerned over GAO Report on VA Training Programs

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Washington, DC – Today, Committee Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) expressed concern over report findings that show the ineffectiveness of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) training programs for benefits claims processors.

Gold Star Wives Present Appreciation Award to Ranking Member Buyer

Friday, May 23, 2008
Washington, DC —The Gold Star Wives of America, a military survivor’s advocacy organization that has served war widows from all conflicts since its founding in 1945, appeared on Capitol Hill today to present appreciation awards to recognize members of Congress.

Subcommittee Examines VA Benefits Outreach Efforts

Friday, May 23, 2008

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs held an oversight hearing examining the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outreach efforts to inform veterans of available VA benefits. U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) Ranking Republican for the subcommittee released the following opening statement: