Over the weekend, the United States and lawmakers celebrated the 75th anniversary of the D-Day invasion.
Ahead of the celebration, Florida Senator Marco Rubio (R) joined fellow Republican Senators Roy Blunt and Todd Young to reintroduce the Protect Our Disabled Heroes Act of 2019, which aims to protect the United States’ disabled veterans from unethical and unfair practices in applying for Veterans Administration disability claims.
Senator Rubio’s legislation focuses on protecting disabled veterans from unethical fees charged by third party organizations in preparing and executive veterans disability claims. In addition, the legislation reinstates criminal penalties for individuals charging veterans unauthorized fees.
The Trump administration has actively prioritized reforming the VA, and lawmakers across the United States have joined the call to contribute in any way they can.
Speaking on the need for the legislation, Senator Rubio commented that “It’s appalling that bad actors take advantage of our brave veterans trying to secure disability benefits, and we should do everything possible to protect them against predatory practices. Our veterans served our country honorable and they deserve better. It’s time to punish those who prey on our nation’s heroes who have returned home.”
On June 5th, Senators Young and Blunt cosponsored the bill, and it has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
“It is absolutely reprehensible for anyone to seek a profit by defrauding disabled veterans, commented Senator Blunt, adding that “the criminals who prey upon veterans’ efforts to get the benefits they have earned must be held accountable.”
In addition, Senator Young, a marine, said that he was “proud to cosponsor this bill, which would reinstate criminal penalties for these unethical, immoral acts and protect our disabled veterans.”
He noted that it’s important “to protect those who have already sacrificed so much” in their lives and for the United States.
