Congresswoman Gillibrand is working for our troops and veterans in Congress.

Still in her first term, Congresswoman Gillibrand has already done some great things for the men and women who have served this country. As a Member of the Armed Services Committee, your Congresswoman is making real changes in the lives of our soldiers, veterans and their families by improving health care, expanding economic opportunities, and reforming the processes for receiving their earned benefits.

• Accountability and Oversight: The problems at Walter Reed Hospital shed light on a lack of oversight and accountability in the health care system for our soldiers and veterans. Making sure veterans get the care and benefits they deserve, while improving health care facilities to meet the highest possible standards, is a top priority for Gillibrand in Congress. Already, Congresswoman Gillibrand's committee has held hearings on troop readiness and access to health care.

• Pay Raise for Troops: Congresswoman Gillibrand voted AGAINST a pay raise for Members of Congress but FOR a pay raise for our troops. Our troops and their families deserve a raise and will always come first with Congresswoman Gillibrand.

• Honoring our Commitment: This year, Congresswoman Gillibrand supported the largest increase for veterans funding in American history. This funding is necessary to address past inadequacies and to meet the needs of a whole new generation of veterans returning from duties overseas. With increased oversight and funding to strengthen these facilities, we can provide the best available care for our veterans.

• Eliminating the Disabled Veterans Tax: A major discrepancy our veterans face in receiving their benefits is the issue of concurrent receipt. To fix this problem Congresswoman Gillibrand cosponsored the Disabled Veterans Tax Termination Act. This bill would allow veterans who receive disability to also receive all of the general benefits they deserve, including their pensions.


Helping Veterans, Seniors & Military Service

One of the most important tasks for Congresswoman Gillibrand is providing assistance to you in dealings with federal government agencies. Her office is available to help with Social Security retirement, survivors, disability and SSI benefits. She can provide information on eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid programs and assist with reimbursement difficulties to ensure that Veterans receive the benefits they deserve.

Resources

The following links provide members with short term loans or grants in times of emergency.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society http://www.nmcrs.org/

Army Emergency Relief http://www.aerhq.org

Air Force Aid Society http://www.afas.org

In addition to these societies, members should contact their First Sergeants and/or Commanders as local private foundations are available as well.