CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE APPLAUDS SERVICEMEMBERS PAST AND PRESENT THIS VETERANS DAY WEEKEND
(Rochester, NY)—Congressman Joe Morelle is joining the community in thanking our local veterans for the freedoms we hold dear.
“These are difficult times to be certain—and we must always stand in support of our warfighters,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “As we reflect on the lives lost, physical and emotional wounds endured, and the many hardships faced by those who serve, we thank God for their courage and conviction, and we thank them for their service to our great nation.”
In honor of our nation’s veterans, Congressman Morelle has worked closely with local organizations such as the Veterans Outreach Center, the American Legion, and the Monroe County Veterans Services Agency to support our servicemembers with legislation to improve healthcare access, fund transition assistance programs and provide mental health care, education benefits, homelessness prevention, disability compensation, and support for caregivers.
These include:
HR 841, the Sergeant Gary Beikirch Medal of Honor Act: authored and introduced by Congressman Morelle, would amend the current law to allow surviving spouses of MOH recipients to receive all benefits for which they are eligible instead of being forced to choose one or the other.
HR 1282, the Major Richard Star Act: Currently, over 50,000 medically retired veterans are forbidden from receiving their full retirement pay and disability compensation. The Major Richard Star Act would repeal this unfair offset.
HR 984, the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach (CVSO) Act: Too many veterans are not utilizing their earned benefits because they do not have the information or ability to complete necessary paperwork. The CVSO Act strengthens county veterans service officers’ efforts to conduct outreach and provide support to underserved veterans, which can improve overall health and wellness.
HR 5633, the Veteran Suicide Prevention Act: Designed to increase the available data on the root causes and risk factors for instances of veteran suicides to address reports indicating the VA may not be sufficiently representing the level of deaths by suicide due to opioid overdose.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Morelle fought hard to fully fund the Toxic Exposures Fund which provides healthcare to veterans covered under the Honoring our PACT Act resulting in a total of $134 billion available for exposed veterans’ medical care.
In cooperation with our local American Legion chapters, Congressman Morelle is holding commemoration ceremonies quarterly to provide local Vietnam Veterans with the long overdue recognition, honor, and gratitude they deserve.
“While it is essential to show appreciation on Veterans Day, it is equally important to support our heroes year-round,” continued Congressman Morelle. “I am grateful for the partnership of our local Veteran Services Organizations and our shared unwavering commitment to providing respite for those willing to sacrifice everything in support of democracy. Happy Veterans Day! We thank you for your service.”
Congressman Morelle has returned over $191,411 to local veterans so far this year. Those needing help with a federal agency can visit his webpage or call (585) 232-4850 for assistance.
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