WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, July 26, 2023 U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) had three of his amendments included in the House Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2024.

“We must get the backs of those who had ours, ensure that all of our veterans have access to their hard-earned benefits, and fight antisemitism in every government agency, including at the Department of Veterans Affairs or wherever it rears its ugly head,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “After sacrificing so much, our veterans should never struggle to get the care or recognition they have earned which is why I’m incredibly proud that my provisions have been included in the House Veterans Affairs appropriations bill.”

Gottheimer’s provisions include:

• Combating antisemitism at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
  • Supports the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and its implementation at the Department of Veterans Affairs’
  • Guides the VA to begin incorporating training on combating antisemitism and bias, ensuring their hospitals accommodate kosher meal requests for inpatient residents, and increasing efforts to recognize the contributions of Jewish American veterans.

• Boosting access and transparency to benefits for veterans.
  • Provides support for the Veterans Experience Office to better inform separating service members and veterans about their benefits.
  • Helps the VA better communicate to veterans available benefits and how to access them. 
  • The Veterans Experience Office provides assistance with benefits and memorial services to service members, veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors.

• Bolster VA programs to help service members transition to civilian life.
  • Provides additional support for the VA’s Transition Assistance Program — a critical component of the VA’s efforts to assist separating service members.
  • Approximately 250,000 service members make the transition to civilian life every year and we need to equip them with the tools they need to become productive civilians after sacrificing so much for our country. 
  • The courses offered through the Transition Assistance Program include interactive exercises, real examples, and covers topics including family support, disability compensation, education, and health care benefits.

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