Veterans
Information regarding my stance on Veterans' issues.
Washington, D.C.—Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and a bipartisan group of 19 House colleagues sent a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki urging reevaluation of all claims related to Agent Orange exposure that occurred aboard C-123 aircraft after the Vietnam War. Many of the 1,500 to 2,500 veterans who served aboard the aircraft from 1972 to 1982 have experienced health problems that appear to be exposure-related. Until recently, the VA had denied these claims, but recently reversed course when it granted disability benefits to Lt Col.
Washington, D.C. –Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today released the following statement about the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Bonamici will mark the day by attending a remembrance ceremony with Congressional colleagues at the U.S. Capitol.
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today voted to pass the Ruth Moore Act (H.R. 671), legislation she co-sponsored to ease the burden of proof required to prove Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) related to a military sexual assault. Veterans who are partially or fully disabled from an injury suffered while serving in the military are entitled to disability benefits, but approximately two-thirds of sexual assault related claims are rejected by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today announced her support for the Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013, new bipartisan legislation that would reform the military justice system. The Act would remove from the chain of command the prosecution of crimes punishable by a sentence of more than one year, except crimes that are uniquely military in nature, like disobeying orders or going Absent Without Leave. This reform would prevent injustices related to military sexual assault and other forms of misconduct.
Beaverton, Ore. — Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today announced that the Housing Authority of Washington County is now eligible for 35 HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers in addition to the 25 vouchers they have already been awarded. Bonamici requested the additional vouchers in letters to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Affairs. The vouchers will be used to provide housing for homeless veterans in Washington County.
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) today called for bipartisan cooperation to avert sequestration and released a new report that details how the across-the-board cuts would impact Oregon. According to the report entitled “Sequestration by the Numbers - A Snapshot for Oregon,” the state would suffer nearly 12,000 job losses, and lose substantial federal funding for an array of essential programs.