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

H.R. 3681, the “Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2007” was introduced by Boozman in September of 2007. The bill is aimed at improving the Department of Veterans Affairs outreach to veterans and authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to purchase advertising in national media outlets to promote awareness of benefits that are available to veterans and their dependents. 

“The resources available to inform our veterans about the programs available to them are being underutilized by the VA. Using T.V. and radio spots to share the message of healthcare options and benefits for education, disability compensation, non-disability pensions, training, loan guarantees, and survivors’ programs will reach more veterans so they can get the care they need and the benefits they deserve,” Boozman said. 

H.R. 3889 was introduced by Boozman in October of 2007 and amended by him in April. The bill requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a 20 year longitudinal study of  vocational rehabilitation and education programs administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

“Unfortunately, there is relatively little data on how the program improves the lives of our more seriously injured veterans. Conducting a 20 year longitudinal study that requires annual reports to Congress will make future management decisions easier for VA and legislative decisions more accurate for Congress.” 

Boozman spoke on the merits of both bills on the House floor before they were passed by voice vote.