[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 38 (Tuesday, March 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E465]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E465]]



             INTRODUCTORY VETERANS' BENEFITS PROTECTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 5, 2007

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Madam Speaker, in times of war and in times of 
peace we must always show our gratitude for those of us who have worn 
the uniform of the United States military.
  In the closing hours of the 109th Congress, legislation was passed a 
comprehensive bill, the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information 
Technology Act of 2006. Included in this good bill was a bad provision 
to make it easier for lawyers to be involved in the Veterans claims 
process at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  I have introduced the Veterans' Benefits Protection Act to correct 
this mistake. Bringing lawyers whose primary goal is their own 
financial gain into the system will only complicate the process and 
lead to inequities in a system that we count on to care for those who 
have served. A number of Veterans in my District have raised concerns 
that benefits may be slowed or diminished in value.
  It is no secret that there are backlog problems that need to be fixed 
at the VA. Serious reforms should be considered. However, bringing more 
lawyers into the system will not be beneficial to a majority of 
Veterans who are patiently waiting for claims that are owed to them by 
the government.
  A Veteran should be able to focus on paying for medicine and other 
daily necessities and never need to devote a portion of benefits that 
are owed to pay for legal fees. Turning to a lawyer for assistance 
should be an option of last resort for a Veteran with claims. There are 
numbers of resources: individuals, Veterans organizations, and 
Congressional offices that offer services to assist Veterans at no 
cost.
  I urge my colleagues to consider supporting The Veterans' Benefits 
Protection Act, repealing a process that will likely lead to inequities 
in payments for those who have served.

                          ____________________