“By improving these programs, we make certain that our servicemembers have the resources and tools to be successful when they return home from service. . . ”
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – “Today, the House voted to enhance programs that assist in keeping our promises to our nation’s veterans. It is imperative that we continue to ensure our veterans receive the benefits which they earned through service and sacrifice,” said Congressman Bill Flores (R-TX) as the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2481, the Veterans Economic Opportunity Act, introduced by Flores to improvement several programs which promote economic opportunities for veterans.
“By improving these programs, we make certain that our servicemembers have the resources and tools to be successful when they return home from service,” Congressman Flores said.
As Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, Flores originally introduced H.R. 2481 to clarify the process to assist veterans in choosing the best GI bill benefit.
The bill was amended with additional provisions while it was being considered by the committee. It now includes provisions to establish the Veterans Economic Opportunity Administration, which will improve oversight over the Veteran Administration’s (VA) Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Home Loan programs, and the Center for Veterans Enterprise.
Provisions were also added to extend homeless veterans reintegration programs, simplify the processing of GI bill claims, modify the Fry Scholarship program, provide further protections to the child custody rights of deployed servicemembers, and expand mortgage-related protections for servicemembers under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
“Through the collective work of the Economic Opportunity subcommittee and the full Veteran’s Affairs committee we were able to bring this important legislation forward and have it pass the House. This legislation will help reform, simplify and enhance these important VA programs that help veterans reach economic success. It provides for more transparency, efficiency and improved care. We must continue working to reform and improve the programs and benefits for our servicemembers and their families, who have given so much for our country,” Flores said.
Congressman Bill Flores represents the 17th District of Texas and is an entrepreneur, former energy executive, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and member of the House Budget, Natural Resources and Veterans’ Affairs Committees.
