An 18-piece legislative package designed to improve veterans’ education and burial benefits, prevent veteran homelessness, and improve the transition process for veterans and their families is headed to the President’s desk for his signature.
U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and has been a driver in this legislation. He applauded the swift unanimous Senate passage of the legislation Thursday.
“I am proud that the Senate has acted on this package of legislation to help our veterans,” said Isakson. “Today’s passage caps off a remarkable two years in Congress. We have passed significant reforms to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to improve the daily lives of our nation’s veterans. This legislative package will help improve veterans’ education and burial benefits, address veteran homelessness and help engage the community in providing a seamless transition for veterans and their families.”
The Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, includes 23 individual bipartisan provisions incorporating language from a number of previously introduced House and Senate bills.
Isakson outlined the highlights of the amended legislation. It will:
· Help protect student veterans when the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is late making payments to schools.
· Improve burial access to national and tribal cemeteries for family members of active duty service members and veterans.
· Require the VA to provide standardized debt notices to veterans.
· Provide protection to Gold Star Spouses.
· Expand benefits and support to military spouses and families.
· Expand eligibility for the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program.
· Study best practices among community programs providing transition assistance for veterans.
