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Rep. Young Shows Continued Strong

Support of Alaska’s Veterans

Alaskan Congressman Don Young continued his strong show of support of Alaska’s veterans this afternoon as he signed on as a cosponsor of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, the Veterans’ Disability Compensation Automatic COLA Act (H.R. 402), and the Veterans Administration Epilepsy Centers of Excellence Act of 2007 (H.R. 2818).  In addition Rep. Young signed the Congressional Pledge to Stand Up for Veterans, sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans. 

“As always, I am pleased to be a part of any legislation that aids our Nation’s veterans," said Rep. Young.  "All of these bills I’ve signed onto, as well as the Pledge, recognize the efforts and sacrifice of those who have put all on the line in the name of American freedom.  Veterans compose a very special sector of our population, and it is our Nation’s duty to give back to these selfless men and women.  We need to remember to support and respect our troops, and support and respect our veterans.  As a veteran myself, I have always been consistent in my support for those who serve or have served in our Armed Forces, and I always will continue to do so.  I thank them and their families for their sacrifices and look forward to assisting them in whichever way I can.”

About the bills:

·      The bipartisan Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act, a bill endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the American Legion, and seven other veterans’ organizations, is designed to expand the educational benefits that our nation offers to our brave men and women who have served since September 11, 2001.  This bill would closely resemble the educational benefits provided to veterans returning home from World War II. 

·      The Veterans’ Disability Compensation Automatic COLA Act (H.R. 402) requires that wherever there is an increase in benefit amounts payable under title II of the Social Security Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall increase by the same percentage the amounts payable as veterans’ disability compensation.

·       The Veterans Administration Epilepsy Centers of Excellence Act of 2007 (H.R. 2818) addresses a critical issue facing war veterans who have experienced traumatic brain injury – the increased likelihood of developing epilepsy.  This legislation is strongly endorsed by the Epilepsy Foundation, American Academy of Neurology, and leading veterans’ organizations.

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Related press releases:

2/7/2008     Rep. Young’s Bipartisan Amendment for Children of Fallen Soldiers Passes House

1/16/2008   Rep. Young Votes For Military Pay Increase

12/19/2007 Delegation Works to Expand Veterans Mortgage Bond Program

11/9/2007   Rep. Young Commends Our Nation’s Veterans  

11/6/2007   Rep. Young Cosponsors HEALTHY Vets Act

11/5/2007   Rep. Young Continues Consistent Support of Veterans