[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 122 (Thursday, July 31, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. HEITKAMP:
  S. 2740. A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to 
establish a voluntary national directory of veterans to support 
outreach to veterans, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs.
  Ms. HEITKAMP. Mr. President, today I am introducing legislation to 
help new veterans get information about the programs, benefits and 
services available to them as they transition back to civilian life. 
The Connect with Veterans Act will make it easier for cities, counties 
and tribes, as well as the State Departments of Veterans Affairs, to 
interact directly with new veterans.
  Since I joined the Senate in January 2013, I have traveled all across 
North Dakota, listening to our veterans. One thing I heard, time and 
time again, was the need for more information about programs and 
services. Recently, I hosted my first Native American Veterans Summit 
in Bismarck, ND. One of the things which struck me at the Summit was 
how the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies simply 
weren't connecting with the veterans who wanted information about 
health care options and other benefits. It is clear that we, as a 
society, must do better.
  In June 2013, I was proud to form the Senate Defense Communities 
Caucus along with my co-chair, Senator Johnny Isakson. We found that 
people and communities all across the nation are passionate about 
helping our military perform its mission. Through my work with the 
Caucus, I found these communities are equally passionate about helping 
our veterans as well. I heard, through a close partnership with the 
Association of Defense Communities, that folks wanted to do more, at 
the local level, to help veterans.
  From those ideas, the Connect with Veterans Act was created. It is a 
simple bill, and one that is entirely voluntary. Separating 
servicemembers can choose to share their contact information with the 
communities they are moving to after their military service. Interested 
cities, counties and tribes can request the contact information for the 
new veterans moving to their area and then provide them with 
information about services and benefits. Throughout this process, the 
veterans contact information will be kept secure.
  It is critical that we provide veterans with access to the benefits 
and services they have earned once they leave the military and--knowing 
what services and benefits are available to them is the first step. 
This bill will expand the sources of information available to veterans. 
It is not just the VA that has the responsibility to help veterans. We 
all share that responsibility.
  I have heard from North Dakotans, in particular, about how this bill 
would be incredibly beneficial as many communities in my state have 
unmet employment needs. Veterans have proven to be great employees. 
And, with good-paying jobs in North Dakota, this program can provide a 
way to bring veterans into these open positions. But this bill gives 
local control of what information is provided to veterans. Communities 
throughout the nation will be able to make this program fit their 
needs.
  Our Nation must do a better job of taking care of our veterans. A 
great first step is figuring out how best to welcome new veterans into 
our communities. I know my bill will help that critical process.
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