[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S7845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. TORRICELLI:
  S. 2953. A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve 
outreach programs carried out by the Department of Veterans Affairs to 
provide for more fully informing veterans of benefits available to them 
under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; to the 
Committee on Veterans' Affairs.


                    The Veterans' Right to Know Act

  Mr. TORRICELLI: Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the 
Veterans' Right to Know Act which will assist millions of brave 
Americans who have served this nation in times of war. This legislation 
would ensure that all veterans are fully informed of the various 
benefits that they have earned through their brave and dedicated 
service to their country.
  Throughout the history of the United States, the interests of our 
nation have been championed by ordinary citizens who willingly defend 
our nation when called upon. During the times of crisis which 
threatened the very existence of our Republic, we persevered because 
young men and women from all walks of life took up arms to defend the 
ideals by which this nation was founded. Whether it was winning our 
freedom from an oppressive empire, preserving our Union, defeating 
fascism or battling the spread of communism, the American people have 
time and time again answered the call to defend liberty, justice and 
democracy at home and throughout the world.
  Our government owes a debt of gratitude to each and every one of our 
veterans, and we must make a concerted effort to show our appreciation 
for their valiant service. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 
provides the necessary health care services and benefits to our war 
heroes; however, over half of the veterans in the United States are not 
fully aware of the benefits or pensions to which they are entitled.
  The bill I introduced today is straightforward and it does not call 
for the creation of new benefits. Rather, it seeks to ensure that our 
veterans are well informed of the benefits they are entitled to as a 
result of their service or injuries sustained during their service to 
their country.
  This legislation would require the VA to inform veterans about their 
eligibility for benefits and health care services whenever they first 
apply for any benefit with the VA. Furthermore, many times, widows and 
surviving family members of veterans are not aware of the special 
benefits available to them when their family member passes. My bill 
would help these individuals in their time of loss by instructing the 
VA to inform them of the benefits for which they are eligible on the 
passing of their loved one.
  My legislation also seeks to reach out to those veterans who are not 
currently enrolled in the VA system by calling upon the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs to prepare an annual outreach plan that will encourage 
eligible veterans to register with the VA as well as keeping current 
enrollees aware of any changes to benefits or eligibility requirements.
  This bill will help ensure that our government and its services for 
veterans are there for the men and women who have served this nation in 
the armed forces. I am hopeful that my colleagues in the Senate will 
recognize the tremendous service that our veterans have given and 
support this reasonable measure to ensure that our veterans receive the 
benefits they deserve.
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