[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 112 (Thursday, July 7, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VETERANS CONSORTIUM

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                     HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 7, 2022

  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 
30th anniversary of The Veterans Consortium, a nonprofit organization 
providing pro bono services to our nation's veterans with cases pending 
before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC).
  The Veterans Consortium was established after the first Chief Judge 
of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims encouraged Congress to 
create a program to provide veterans with suitable legal representation 
before the Court--and help them receive every dollar in benefits they 
are entitled to.
  A competitive grant was awarded to The Veterans Consortium for the 
formation of a legal services corporation to carry out Congress's 
wishes. Although today it is an independent nonprofit, The Veterans 
Consortium's founding members are four hallmark veterans advocacy 
organizations: The American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, 
National Veterans Legal Services Program, and Paralyzed Veterans of 
America.
  Over the past 3 decades, The Veterans Consortium has become one of 
the most prominent organizations providing pro bono services for 
veterans' claims, with almost 6,000 volunteer attorneys having 
delivered over $400 million in rightful benefits, care, and 
compensation to American veterans. They did so by astoundingly winning 
over 83 percent of their appeals cases.
  While this number demonstrates the effectiveness of the Consortium, 
it also underscores significant room for improvement in the Department 
of Veterans Affairs benefits determination process. That's what makes 
the work of The Veterans Consortium so important.
  As Chair of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs 
Appropriations subcommittee, I have the distinct honor and 
responsibility of leading the only committee in Congress that cares for 
our servicemembers through their entire lifecycle: both during and 
after their service.
  I'm proud to work with our VSOs to ensure those who have risked their 
lives for this Nation are supported throughout their transition to 
civilian life and are able to age with dignity. A critical component of 
that work is ensuring the Veterans Benefits Administration is 
adequately funded and that our veterans receive the benefits they need 
and are entitled to.
  We know the benefits and claims process is in dire need of reform, 
and it has been for years now. That is why I will continue working with 
VA Secretary McDonough to improve upon the existing system, and by 
conducting rigorous oversight of all VA agencies to ensure they are 
spending the money we provide effectively.
  Congress can honor our veterans--and the decades of committed work of 
The Veterans Consortium--by legislating and using the power of the 
purse to make sure the benefits and claims process is working for those 
who served their country. For all that veterans sacrifice for this 
Nation, the least we can do is ensure they receive the benefits they 
were promised and deserve.
  Congratulations to the Veterans Consortium and the TVC National 
Volunteer Corps on 30 impactful years, and I thank them for all the 
critically important work they do.

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