June 11, 2014

Congresswoman Dina Titus, Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, issued the following statement today after Senate passage of S. S.2413, The Veterans’ Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014.

“I applaud the Senate for swiftly passing this important bipartisan legislation, which will strengthen the VA’s resources, increase veterans’ access to care, and implement much needed accountability measures. I thank Chairman Sanders for including two my bills in this omnibus package: H.R. 3441, the Spouses of Heroes Education Act, and H.R. 2527, the Military Sexual Assault Parity Act. I call on the House leadership to quickly bring this legislation for a vote in the House.” 

H.R. 3441, the Spouses of Heroes Education Act: Amends the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill to expand the Fry Scholarship by making surviving spouses of members of the Armed Services eligible for this benefit program. This scholarship currently provides full in-state tuition, fees, a monthly living stipend, and a book allowance to children of service members who have died in the line of duty. This change would allow spouses to receive the same benefits.

H.R. 2527, the Military Sexual Assault Parity Act: Extends counseling and treatment to members of the National Guard and other reserve components who suffered sexual trauma while serving on inactive duty training.