U.S. Congressman John Boozman 3rd District of Arkansas

House Seal Outline

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Washington, Sep 25, 2008 -

Legislation introduced and sponsored by U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) aimed at improving opportunities for veterans passed the House of Representatives by voice vote late Wednesday as part of an omnibus veterans’ benefits bill.

“I am delighted that we have reached this compromise with the Senate and look forward to seeing the lives of our veterans improved by the enhancements we made through this bill,” Boozman said.

S 3023, the Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008 has a wide range of improvements for employment, education, vocational rehabilitation, housing programs and service members’ rights,” Boozman said on the House floor.

The omnibus, a piece of legislation that includes provisions from numerous bills, including several measures sponsored and cosponsored by Boozman earlier this year including:

∙Raising the current cap of 2,500 new entrants to the Independent Living Program to 2,600

∙Requiring VA to conduct a 20-year longitudinal study of three cohorts of veterans who participate in the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program. This passed the House in May as H.R. 3889.

∙Requiring any governmental entity operating as a contracting agent for VA to comply with the small business provisions of Public Law 109-461 which gives priority to veterans and disabled veteran-owned small businesses competing for VA contracts.

∙Providing the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with the authority to purchase advertising in national media outlets to promote awareness of veterans’ benefits.

Boozman also praised the provisions developed by other House and Senate Members.

“This is a great example of the progress and change we can make when we work together and I thank everyone who contributed to S 3023. This is an excellent bill and I think we can declare victory for America’s veterans,” Boozman said.