Yesterday, NAAOP learned that Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA), Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs (VA) Committee, combined NAAOP’s bill, H.R. 5428, into another bill for which he also serves as chief sponsor, the Women Veterans Bill of Rights (H.R. 5953). He made no amendments to the bill language but included the entire bill as introduced. He then placed the bill on the House “suspension calendar.” This means that if two thirds or more of the House does not object, it passes. If this occurs, a similar procedure would be necessary in the U.S. Senate.
Yesterday afternoon, as the bill was scheduled to come to the floor and the ranking Republican on the committee, Congressman Steve Buyer (R-IN), strongly objected to the process, Chairman Filner pulled the bill from consideration and said he intends to put the bill up for a vote today!
We, therefore, need to get as many calls into House Republicans today to urge them to vote FOR H.R. 5953 (which contains our bill-H.R. 5428).
Contact your Congressman immediately by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202.225.3121.
Tell your Congressman to:
- PASS H.R. 5953, the Women Veterans Bill of Rights, which includes H.R. 5428, the Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights.
- The bill will help injured and amputee veterans get the prosthetic and orthotic care they need to be healthy, functional, independent and employed.
- The bill will make access to high quality prosthetic and orthotic care more consistent throughout the country.
- The bill does not cost a dime and simply informs veterans of their rights so they can be empowered to get the care they need.
- The bill is widely supported by Veteran Service Organizations as well as over 35 national disability organizations.
- VOTE FOR H.R. 5953, which contains the Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights.
If you have questions, please call 800.622.6740
