Press Releases

CBC Chair Marcia L. Fudge's Statement on Addressing the Veterans Disability Claims Backlog

Washington, DC, May 23, 2013
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement regarding the disability claims backlog language included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         May 23, 2013
CONTACT: Ayofemi Kirby
(202) 226-9776
Ayofemi.Kirby@mail.house.gov

 CBC Chair Marcia L. Fudge’s Statement on Addressing the Veterans Disability Claims Backlog

Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Marcia L. Fudge released the following statement regarding the disability claims backlog language included in the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, which passed the Veterans Affairs Committee on a bipartisan basis. Veterans Affairs Ranking Member Sanford Bishop (GA-02) and Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13), both Members of the Congressional Black Caucus, were instrumental in the language being included in the bill.

“I commend Secretary Shinseki, Rep. Barbara Lee and Ranking Member Sanford Bishop for their leadership in affirming the Veterans Business Administration (VBA) and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs’ commitment to addressing the backlog of disability compensation claims. During his meeting with the CBC, Secretary Shinseki was very receptive to our request for attention to this issue. The CBC supports and applauds his goal to process all claims within 125 days by 2015.

“I also thank Rep. Lee and Rep. Bishop for their diligence on making sure addressing the veterans backlog remains a top priority for this Congress. With increased oversight and improved efficiency in the VBA, we can make sure our veterans receive the care they need and deserve. ”

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