United States Senator Dean Heller

Heller, Murray Introduce Bill to Assist Veteran Children

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced the Creating A Reliable Environment (CARE) for Veterans’ Dependents Act, a bill designed to ensure that children of homeless veterans are eligible for services provided to that veteran by VA funded facilities.

“It’s particularly important during these financially difficult times to remember that the children of our nation’s veterans are also suffering. Just because a veteran parent falls on tough times should never mean that their dependent is turned away for help,” said Senator Dean Heller. “I am proud to introduce this bill with Senator Murray that gives veterans the respect they deserve and helps ensure that these children’s futures are full of opportunity.”

“The men and women who have heroically served America in the military should not find themselves struggling to find a bed to sleep in or a meal to eat,” said Senator Murray. “This is especially true for the children of our veterans. It is critical that we ensure access to the resources and support these children need while their families work through difficult economic times. I am proud to join with Senator Heller in introducing this important legislation.”

Background:

· Under current law, the VA Grant and Per Diem program does not reimburse VA funded facilities for services provided to a homeless veteran’s dependent.

· Children accompanying their veteran parent who has fallen on hard times can be turned away from receiving care at VA funded facilities.

· The CARE for Veterans’ Dependents Act simply allows the VA to reimburse facilities for care of a dependent of a veteran receiving care at a shelter funded by the VA Grant and Per Diem program.

A PDF copy of the CARE for Veterans’ Dependents Act is below.

###

In Advance of Memorial Day, Heller, Merkley Introduce Bill to Expand Education Benefits to Spouses of Fallen Heroes

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

WASHINGTON, DC – In honor of Memorial Day, U.S. Senators Dean Heller (R-NV) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) today introduced the Spouses of Heroes Education Act, which would expand full educational benefits to spouses of service members who die in the line of duty.

“As we honor the memory of those who gave their lives in service to their country this Memorial Day, we must remember that their families have made a great sacrifice. We must also do what we can to help these families whose lives have been changed forever. By ensuring that spouses have access to an education, we can help these families put their lives back together and build bright futures for their children,” said Senator Dean Heller.

“This Memorial Day, we remember those who have paid the ultimate price in service to our nation. We also honor their families, who have served and sacrificed alongside our military,” said Merkley. “There is no way we can ever repay the sacrifice of a fallen hero’s spouse, but we can honor them by ensuring they have the tools they need to go back to school and provide a foundation for their family.”

Currently, spouses of fallen service members are only eligible to receive federal education benefits under the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance Program. This program provides an allowance of up to $936 per month, but it often does not cover the full cost of tuition and fees. The Spouses of Heroes Education Act amends the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill to expand the Fry Scholarship, which provides full in-state tuition and fees to children of service members who have died in the line of duty. This change would allow spouses to receive the full cost of public, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees, plus a monthly living stipend and book allowance. Spouses would need to use this benefit within fifteen years.

“Military spouses often sacrifice their own careers and professional development to support the service obligations of their loved ones. So when a loved one makes the ultimate sacrifice, we have a duty to provide the right resources for families to get back on their feet,” said VFW Executive Director Bob Wallace. “Currently, only surviving children can receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits through the Fry Scholarship program. The VFW believes that spouses must be afforded the same opportunities to provide for their family’s future when a loved one dies in the line of duty.”

The bill is endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), the National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS), the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), the American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), AMVETS, and the Student Veterans of America. In addition, the Veterans Legislative Committee of The Military Coalition (TMC), a coalition comprised of 33 organizations representing more than 5.5 million members of the uniformed services and their families, has established a goal of authorizing surviving spouses to have the same educational benefits as their children.

###

Sen. Heller, Rep. Heck Introduce Legislation to Allow Good Samaritan Searches on Public Lands

Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Bill will help bring closure for families of missing persons

WASHINGTON - Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) and Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) today introduced legislation that allows expedited access to public lands for Good Samaritan search and recovery organizations so that they may conduct searches for missing persons. This legislation comes following the discovery of the bodies of Keith Goldberg and Air Force Staff Sergeant Antonio Tucker in the Lake Mead Recreation Area by Good Samaritan search and rescue teams. In both cases, the volunteer search teams had to wait nearly one year to obtain the proper permits and insurance before conducting their searches. The Heck/Heller legislation, the Good Samaritan Search and Recovery Act, will expedite that process and help bring closure for the families of missing persons.

“The last thing families who have lost loved ones need is the federal government to stand in the way of recovering their remains. I am pleased to join with Rep. Heck to make sure that the dedicated men and women who volunteer to help their fellow citizens in times of tragedy are able to do so in an expedited fashion,” said Sen. Heller.

"The families of Keith Goldberg and Antonio Tucker waited far too long before finally having closure on the cases of their lost loved ones," Rep. Heck said. "In both cases, qualified teams were delayed in making their searches due to unnecessary bureaucratic government roadblocks. Having thought about these issues as a former member of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Search and Rescue Team, I joined with Senator Heller to introduce this bill because I believe Good Samaritan groups should have access to our public lands as quickly as possible. Families shouldn’t go months wondering what happened to their loved ones."

The Good Samaritan Search and Recovery Act requires that permits for accessing public lands be issued to groups within 48 hours of application and that groups are not responsible for obtaining an insurance policy given they waive federal government liability.

Earlier this month, Congressman Heck testified about this issue before the House Natural Resources Committee to highlight the bureaucratic impediments the trained, non-profit search teams faced prior to their searches. Click here to see a video of his testimony.

A summary of the Good Samaritan Search and Recovery Act is below.

###

Heller Praises Senate Passage of Stolen Valor Act

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Thanks Rep. Joe Heck (NV-3) for championing issue in House of Representatives

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the Stolen Valor Act passed the Senate by unanimous consent after passing the House of Representatives earlier this week. Starting on Tuesday, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) actively worked to have the Senate immediately pass this bill, which makes it a federal crime to lie about receiving a military decoration or medal in order to profit or benefit financially. Senator Heller issued the following statement following Senate passage:

“Our nation can never fully express our gratitude for all that our men and women in uniform have experienced on our behalf. Their acts of valor helped ensure the safety and security of our nation, and the honor of their awards should never be compromised. I would like to thank my good friend and fellow Nevadan, Congressman Joe Heck, for his leadership in the House on this issue and look forward to the bill moving to President Obama for signature,” said Senator Dean Heller.

On Monday, the measure (H.R. 258), introduced by Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03), passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 390 to 3. In February, Senator Heller and Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) introduced the Stolen Valor Act (S. 210) in the Senate.

###

Heller Responds to Judiciary Committee’s Vote to Advance Immigration Reform Bill

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance S.744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act and send the bill to the Senate floor. Following the Committee’s vote, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued the following statement:

“There is no question our immigration system is broken and needs reform. So far, Senate Democrats and Republicans are working together in a good faith effort to create a fair immigration process. As this bill moves forward to the Senate floor, I urge Senate Leadership to allow for open, transparent debate and an inclusive amendment process so that Democrats and Republicans can work together and find solutions for this issue, once and for all,” said Senator Dean Heller.

###

Heller Questions Secretary of the Treasury About IRS Scandal

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Today, Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) questioned Secretary of the Treasury, Jack Lew, about the IRS violating the trust that the American people place in their government.

Heller Files Amendment to Stop IRS Funding for Implementing ObamaCare

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Keeps pushing to stop IRS from getting more funds to enforce ObamaCare due to recent targeting scandal

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today offered an amendment to prohibit the IRS from receiving any ObamaCare funding that would otherwise be used for implementing the massive health care law. Heller offered the amendment to the 2013 Senate Farm bill just one week after introducing the legislation as a stand-alone bill (S. 962).

“I am deeply troubled that the IRS has been improperly targeting conservative groups. Public distrust in this agency is already at an all-time high, so providing the IRS with more power to enforce this flawed health care policy makes no sense. For these reasons, I have offered the “IRS Accountability Act” as an amendment to the Farm bill. Simply put, right now, we can’t trust the IRS to do its job,” said Senator Dean Heller.

The President’s budget requested that about $440 million be diverted to the IRS for the purpose of enforcing the President’s health care law. Considering the IRS is under increasing scrutiny for targeting conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status, Heller has led the fight to stop additional funding. Last week, he sent a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and introduced the “IRS Accountability Act.”

###

Heller Welcomes Veterans Affairs Partnership with Veteran Service Organizations

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:00:00 EST

Says much more needs to be done to reduce claims

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced a new partnership with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and The American Legion to help reduce VA backlog claims. U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) welcomed the partnership, which is designed to help veterans submit fully developed claims so that they are processed more quickly and do not enter the backlog.

“This partnership is a practical approach to reducing the claims backlog, and I’m pleased to see the veteran community working together on such an important issue. Still, much more needs to be done because right now, 10,000 Nevada veterans are stuck waiting for answers. I and my colleagues on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee have asked the VA to let us know what resources they may need to tackle this problem and end the backlog. I will continue to stand up for our heroes and push for the much-needed answers,” said Senator Dean Heller.

Since joining the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee in the 113th Congress, Senator Heller has been vocal about the need to reduce the backlog in benefits claims. Most recently, Senator Heller wrote a letter to VA Western Area Director Willie Clark demanding answers to Nevada’s backlog. He has also introduced the Accountability for Veterans Act, legislation to help increase the rate at which the VA obtains the records it needs from other federal agencies in order to process benefits claims.

###

ICYMI: More Questions about IRS Involvement in ObamaCare

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – In the wake of the IRS scandal, news reports continue to raise questions about the IRS’ suitability to have a role in enforcing the government healthcare law. Reports that a California health care provider is suing the IRS for allegedly seizing 60 million personal medical records of 10 million Americans further highlight the agency’s abuse of power.

Yesterday, Senator Heller introduced the IRS Accountability Act, which would suspend IRS funding for new agents implementing ObamaCare until concerns about the IRS’ behavior are addressed.

Forbes: Suit Alleges IRS Improperly Seized 60 Million Personal Medical Records http://onforb.es/12uUFBB

The Internal Revenue Service is facing a class action lawsuit alleging that more than 60 million personal medical records were improperly seized by agents from the embattled agency.

According to a story by Courthousenews.com, an unnamed healthcare provider in California is suing the IRS and 15 unnamed agents, alleging that they improperly seized some 60 million medical records of 10 million Americans, including medical records of all California state judges on March 11, 2011.

According to the complaint, the IRS agents had a search warrant for financial data pertaining to a former employee of the “John Doe Company,” however, “it did not authorize any seizure of any healthcare or medical record of any persons, least of all third parties completely unrelated to the matter.”

The medical records included information on psychological counseling, gynecological counseling, sexual and drug treatment, and other sensitive medical treatment data, the suit alleges. A copy of the legal complaint can be purchased here for $35.

“This is an action involving the corruption and abuse of power by several Internal Revenue Service agents,” the complaint reads.

“No search warrant authorized the seizure of these records; no subpoena authorized the seizure of these records; none of the 10,000,000 Americans were under any kind of known criminal or civil investigation and their medical records had no relevance whatsoever to the IRS search. IT personnel at the scene, a HIPAA facility warning on the building and the IT portion of the searched premises, and the company executives each warned the IRS agents of these privileged records,” it continued.

The claim asserts that the IRS agents’ seizure of medical records violated the 4th Amendment.

“These medical records contained intimate and private information of more than 10,000,000 Americans, information that by its nature includes information about treatment for any kind of medical concern, including psychological counseling, gynecological counseling, sexual or drug treatment, and a wide range of medical matters covering the most intimate and private of concerns,” the complaint states.

“Despite knowing that these medical records were not within the scope of the warrant, defendants threatened to ‘rip’ the servers containing the medical data out of the building if IT personnel would not voluntarily hand them over,” the complaint reads.

“Moreover, even though defendants knew that the records they were seizing were not included within the scope of the search warrant, the defendants nonetheless searched and seized the records without making any attempt to segregate the files from those that could possibly be related to the search warrant. In fact, no effort was made at all to even try maintaining the illusion of legitimacy and legality.”

The IRS has not returned requests for comment.

Nevada Land Bills One Step Closer to Passage

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources today moved forward with two pieces of legislation that focus on resolving issues in Nevada. Both bills, the Multispecies Habitat Conservation Plan Implementation Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV), and the Pine Forest Range Recreation Enhancement Act, coauthored by Heller will provide for much-needed growth in the Silver State. Today’s actions were considered a critical step towards enactment of these bills.

“The federal government controls roughly 87% of Nevada’s land base. Lands bills, such as those we considered today, are a necessity for Nevada. The federal government has limited flexibility with public lands and we often need to step in to do what is right for the Silver State. These pieces of legislation are what I believe to be examples of balanced efforts to improve and protect precious habitat and provide opportunities for growth. I look forward to continue working through the collaborative process to balance the need for conservation and development in Nevada,” said Senator Dean Heller.

The Multispecies Habitat Conservation Plan Implementation Act (S. 757)

Senator Heller introduced this bill to allow the city of Mesquite and Lincoln County to implement important habitat conservation measures using funds in specials accounts that were created over a decade ago. The bill also provides the City of Mesquite with additional time to purchase land around their airport.

Pine Forest Range Recreation Enhancement Act

Senator Heller co-authored this legislation with Senator Reid in an effort to improve recreational access and appropriate permanent protection in the Pine Forest Range. This legislation is ‘wilderness done right’ and the result of a collaborative community process where all stakeholders were given a seat at the table.

###

Heller Responds to Nevada Unemployment Numbers

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) issued the following statement regarding the Nevada unemployment figures released earlier today:

“It is always great to see the number of unemployed Nevadans decline, and I hope this continues. We still have a long way to go in securing economic stability, and right now Washington scandals are taking precedence over the larger issues we should be discussing. Far too many Nevadans are still struggling to make ends meet, which is why I will continue to stand up for policies that make sense and will put the Silver State back on track,” said Senator Dean Heller.

###

Heller Introduces Bill to Stop Funding for New IRS Agents

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

“IRS Accountability Act” halts appropriations for implementing ObamaCare

(Washington, D.C.) – Following up on a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius sent yesterday, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today introduced the “IRS Accountability Act.” This legislation prohibits the IRS from receiving any ObamaCare funding that would otherwise be used for implementing the massive healthcare law.

“News that the IRS has been targeting conservative groups violated the trust that the American people place in their government. Nevadans are already concerned about ObamaCare, so the fact that Congress could hand over even more power to an agency under intense scrutiny to enforce the health care law is deeply concerning. The ‘IRS Accountability Act’ suspends funding for new ObamaCare IRS agents because right now we can’t trust the IRS to do its job,” said Senator Dean Heller.

The President’s budget requested that about $440 million be diverted to the IRS for the purpose of enforcing the President’s healthcare law. Considering the IRS is under increasing scrutiny for targeting conservative groups seeking tax-exempt status, Heller introduced legislation to stop additional funding.

Click here to read the letter that Senator Heller sent to Secretary Sebelius yesterday. The bill is below.

###

Heller Opposes Funding for New IRS Agents

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Intends to introduce bill to suspend IRS funding until behavior improves

(Washington, D.C.) – In light of reports that the IRS deliberately targeted conservative groups, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) today declared that he opposed funding additional IRS agents for the implementation of ObamaCare. In a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Heller stated that, if necessary, he will introduce legislation to suspend IRS funding for new agents until concerns about the IRS’ behavior are addressed.

The President’s budget requested that about $440 million be diverted to the IRS for the purpose of enforcing the President’s healthcare law.

A PDF of the letter is below.

Full text of the letter below:

May 14, 2013

Secretary Kathleen Sebelius
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20201

Dear Secretary Sebelius:

Since the inception of ObamaCare, I have been very vocal in my concern about the cost and quality of care. With the recent events related to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), I feel it is necessary that both Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services look closely at the money given to the IRS through the health care law. I write to you to express my strong opposition for any additional money for new agents in IRS, and hope that we may conduct extensive oversight into the program.

Under the President’s budget, an estimated $440 million is to be diverted to the IRS to help enforce the President’s health care law. You were recently quoted stating that Congress must approve these funds to run the state-based exchanges. While Nevada has asked to run its own exchanges, I am still concerned with the flow of money going towards the IRS for the continued implementation of the health care law. As you are well aware, the IRS will be responsible for enforcing the individual mandate as well as other provisions.

In light of the nation’s serious economic difficulties, all government agencies – including the IRS – have a responsibility to work together to overcome America’s fiscal challenges. For this reason, I believe we need to address IRS funding in the health care law now, which may mean calling for a temporary suspension until it is clearer where this funding will go.

Again, I am incredibly frustrated by the recent reports regarding the IRS and believe that those responsible should be held accountable for their behavior. As a Member on the House Ways and Means Committee, I provided suggestions that would require greater accountability under the health care law. In fact, I wrote to President Obama after his State of the Union speech with solutions for health care reform. I received no letter back.

I want you to know I intend to introduce legislation this week to suspend IRS funding for new agents enforcing the health care law until Congress sees an improvement. I am hoping this legislation is unnecessary and that we may work together to find a solution to this problem together. I look forward to hearing from you.

            Sincerely,

            DEAN HELLER
            U.S. Senator

cc: The Honorable Steven Miller
      Acting Commissioner
      Internal Revenue Service

###

Heller Calls for IRS Commissioner, Treasury Secretary to Answer to Congress about IRS Targeting Conservatives

Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

Demands answers about reports that the IRS unfairly targeted conservative groups

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) called for Acting IRS Commissioner Miller and Treasury Secretary Lew to answer questions surrounding reports that the IRS unfairly targeted conservative groups. The letter asks Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Chairman Carl Levin (D-MI) to ensure that these individuals are included in hearings that Senator Baucus called for today.

“Reports of the IRS deliberately targeting conservative groups are disturbing and contradictory to the fundamental American values of liberty and freedom - the very values the government is designed to protect. I and my colleagues are committed to holding those responsible for this behavior accountable,” Senator Heller stated in a Facebook post earlier today.

A PDF of the letter is below.

May 13, 2013

The Honorable Max Baucus
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance
219 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Carl Levin
Chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations
340 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senators Baucus and Levin,

The recent revelation that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) allegedly delayed the tax-exempt status applications for certain conservative groups for further review is shocking and unacceptable. I request that you immediately call upon Treasury Secretary Lew, Acting IRS Commissioner Miller, and other IRS staff involved in this case to testify in a hearing before your Committee. As Members of Congress who have sworn to uphold and protect the Constitution, it is imperative that Congress launch a comprehensive investigation into these actions.

Beginning as early as March 2010, the agency’s practice of intentionally targeting and singling out conservative groups for exercising their First Amendment rights amounts to government corruption and is an illegal abuse of power. The IRS has betrayed the public’s trust and must be held accountable. It is imperative the IRS operate with the utmost integrity as a politically neutral agency, not as a government bully.

This issue needs to be thoroughly examined in an open and transparent manner before Congress, and the IRS needs to be held accountable for this grotesque display of corruption. I appreciate your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,
Dean Heller

###

Sens. Whitehouse and Heller Reintroduce Bill to End Breast Cancer by 2020

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) has reintroduced bipartisan legislation to establish a “Commission to Accelerate the End of Breast Cancer,” the purpose of which will be to help end breast cancer by 2020. The legislation, the Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act of 2013 (S.865), is cosponsored by Senator Dean Heller (R-NV).

“Breast cancer continues to affect too many of our mothers, wives, sisters, and friends,” said Senator Whitehouse. “This bill sets an ambitious goal of ending breast cancer by 2020, and will help drive our efforts to put an end to this tragic disease.”

“It’s hard to find someone whose life has not been touched by breast cancer,” said Senator Heller. “By establishing a commission to help end breast cancer by 2020, it is my hope that we can help save the lives of countless women and unlock the answers to finally defeating this disease. This bill is a step in the right direction, and I am pleased that Members of Congress were once again able to come together in a bipartisan effort to help end breast cancer once and for all.”

In the United States, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, up from 1 in 11 in 1975. In Rhode Island alone, 133 out of every 100,000 women suffer from breast cancer, which is nearly 9 percent above the national average. Nevada is expected to see 1,760 new cases of breast cancer this year, and 360 deaths. Nationwide, health care costs associated with breast cancer totaled $16.5 billion in 2010 and resulted in $12.1 billion in lost productivity, according to an estimate by the National Cancer Institute.

The Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act would create a commission to identify promising research, encourage partnerships between the public and private sectors, and create opportunities for trans-disciplinary collaboration that may advance the mission of ending breast cancer.

The bill is also cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Robert Casey (D-PA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Mark Begich (D-AK), and Al Franken (D-MN).

###

Heller, Hanabusa Introduce Bill to Help Filipino Veterans Receive Benefits

Tue, 07 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) and U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01) introduced the Filipino Veterans Promise Act. This bill establishes a process for Filipinos who fought alongside the U.S. military during World War II to document their heroic service so they can receive the benefits they earned and deserve.

“Nevada is home to brave Filipino veterans who served during World War II and have never been properly recognized for the sacrifices they made on our behalf. On each occasion that I have sat down and met with these men, I have been struck by their humility, love for our country, and selflessness. No doubt, they deserve to be treated fairly and with respect. I look forward to working with Representative Hanabusa to move this bipartisan legislation forward to ensure these veterans obtain the compensation they are owed,” said Senator Heller.

“When we needed allies in Asia during World War II, the Filipino people did not hesitate. They volunteered to fight and die alongside American soldiers, and we promised them the same rights and benefits enjoyed by our troops in exchange for their sacrifice. These brave men served the American cause with honor, yet we have failed to fulfill our obligation. Too many veterans died feeling that the United States abandoned them, and the resentment lingers with their families. This bipartisan bill gives Filipino veterans the opportunity to verify their service with military historians in order to receive the benefits they fought for. It calls for complete examinations of their records, while providing proper oversight to the process. It is an important step in settling a long-due debt. I would like to thank Senator Heller for his leadership, and for joining me in ensuring we make every effort to fulfill our promise to these courageous men," said Representative Hanabusa.

The American Coalition for Filipino Veterans and the Filipino-American Veterans and Families of America – Nevada Chapter have endorsed Heller’s Filipino Veterans Promise Act. Both letters are below.

Background:
After World War II, the U.S. Army created the Approved Revised Reconstructed Guerilla Roster of 1948, also known as the “Missouri List,” based on individuals who came forward after the war to receive health care. This list has been used by the military to verify those who served alongside U.S. troops in the Philippines. It is possible that some Filipinos who fought were not added to this list and could be improperly denied benefits.

This legislation enables these Filipino veterans to work with a military historian to procure the necessary documentation that will then make it easier for them to receive veterans’ benefits. Senator Heller first introduced this legislation (S. 3530) in September 2012.

###

Heller Seeks Further Answers Regarding VA Backlog in Nevada

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:00:01 EST

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) sent a follow-up letter to Veterans Affairs (VA) Western Area Director Willie Clark regarding Nevada’s severe backlog in veterans’ claims. In March, Heller inquired about the staffing levels in the office responsible for processing Nevada’s outstanding claims. Director Clark responded to Senator Heller; however, he failed to provide sufficient answers to address the VA’s claims backlog.

Since joining the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee in the 113^th Congress, Senator Heller has been vocal about the need to reduce the backlog in benefits claims. Most recently, Senator Heller introduced the Accountability for Veterans Act, legislation to help increase the rate at which the VA obtains the records it needs from other federal agencies in order to process benefits claims. In March, Heller questioned the VA Under Secretary for Benefits about the backlog of claims facing Nevada veterans.

A PDF of the letter, as well as Mr. Clark’s initial response, are below.

Full text of the letter below:

May 2, 2013

Mr. Willie Clark, Director
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Western Area Office
3333 North Central Avenue, Suite 3026
Phoenix, AZ 85012-2402

Dear Director Clark

Thank you for your response to my March 21, 2013, inquiry regarding the staffing levels at the Reno Veterans Affairs Regional Office, which processes disability and compensation claims for the State of Nevada. While your letter describes the steps the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is taking to try to transform the benefits delivery system, it failed to answer my original questions.

As stated in my prior correspondence, it has come to my attention through a Congressional staff briefing given by the Director of the Salt Lake City VA Regional Office that there is a sizeable difference in staffing among several VA Regional Offices for processing VA claims for service-connected disabilities. I have also learned that these staffing plans are disproportionate to the number of claims pending. Such disproportionate staffing results in a significant backlog of claims for high-volume, low-staffed offices, like the one located in my home state of Nevada. As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and an outspoken advocate for providing the VA with the necessary resources to process these claims in a timely manner, I once again respectfully request a detailed response to the questions below:

If staffing levels are based upon need and the “Number of Backlogged Claims/Per Service Center/Per Full Time Employee” is considered when determining allocation of resources, then why does each employee at the Reno VA Regional Office have between 200 and 600 percent more claims to handle than other service centers?
What can be done to assist valued VA employees at the Reno VA Regional Office so that claims do not take two years or more to process?

My home state of Nevada has over more than 10,000 pending veterans’ claims. Understanding whether enough resources have been provided to the Reno VA Regional Office could help thousands of veterans in Nevada. I respectfully request that you provide me the answers to my questions so that I can better assure that Nevada’s veterans and our nation’s veterans do not have to wait two years to have their claims processed. I remain committed to finding an answer to my questions and believe it to be a reasonable request of your agency. I respectfully request a response be provided to my office by May 10, 2013. I look forward to hearing from you and working with you on how to address the backlog of claims.

Sincerely,

DEAN HELLER

U.S. Senator

###

Casey, Heller Lead Bipartisan Letter Urging President Obama to Become Personally Involved in Effort to Reduce VA Claims Backlog

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:00:01 EST

Average Wait Time for Veterans Disability Claims Is Over 300 Days

67 Senators Call for ‘Direct Action’ from President

Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Dean Heller (R-NV) announced that they have sent a letter to President Obama urging him to become personally involved and take direct action to reduce the current backlog of veterans’ disability claims. Currently, the average veterans disability claim takes over 300 days to be resolved. In their letter, which was joined by 65 other Senators, Casey and Heller cited long delays in cities across the country in making their case to the President for swift action to reduce the backlog.

The Senators wrote, “After a decade of war, and despite the VA’s efforts to modernize, more than 600,000 veterans are still stuck in the VA’s disability claims backlog. While the average wait time for first time disability claims currently ranges between 316 and 327 days, veterans in certain parts of the country are waiting even longer….. Solving this problem is critical for veterans of all generations. We need direct and public involvement from you to establish a clear plan to end the backlog once and for all.”

“The growing impatience over the VA disabilities backlog is one of the few genuine bi-partisan issues in Washington today. IAVA thanks leaders in the Senate for their bi-partisan efforts to help end the backlog and ensure that veterans get the care they need. We appreciate Senators Casey and Heller for organizing this important letter with their colleagues, and we are honored that two veterans, Senators Lautenberg and McCain, joined this effort. Our veterans now need to hear from the President about how he plans to bring the number of veterans in the backlog to zero,” said Paul Rieckhoff, CEO and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

In addition to Senators Casey and Heller, the following Senators signed the letter: Mark Warner, Kirsten Gillibrand, Angus King, Elizabeth Warren, Joe Donnelly, Jeff Flake, Rand Paul, James Risch, John McCain, Lindsey Graham, Pat Toomey, Roy Blunt, Tammy Baldwin, Saxby Chambliss, Michael Enzi, Jerry Moran, Jeff Sessions, Mitch McConnell, Mark Begich, Johnny Isakson, John Boozman, Jeff Merkley, Maria Cantwell, Dianne Feinstein, Marco Rubio, Chuck Grassley, Orrin Hatch, Pat Roberts, Frank Lautenberg, Debbie Stabenow, Tom Carper, David Vitter, Jeanne Shaheen, Mark Kirk, Robert Menendez, Sheldon Whitehouse, Jay Rockefeller, Claire McCaskill, John Cornyn, Ben Cardin, Chris Murphy, Mazie Hirono, Ted Cruz, Thad Cochran , Ron Wyden, Mike Crapo, Roger Wicker, Mark Pryor, John Thune, Kay Hagan, Susan Collins, Heidi Heitkamp, Tom Harkin, Brian Schatz, Bill Nelson, Dick Durbin, Lisa Murkowski, Jon Tester , Richard Blumenthal, Joe Manchin, Harry Reid, Tim Kaine, Rob Portman, Kelly Ayotte and Tim Scott.

According to a recent report , the average wait time for first time disability claims currently ranges between 316 and 327 days.

The full text of the Senators’ letter can be seen below.

April 26, 2013

The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:? ?We are writing to request that you take direct action and involvement in ending the current Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims backlog.

After a decade of war, and despite the VA’s efforts to modernize, more than 600,000 veterans are still stuck in the VA’s disability claims backlog. While the average wait time for first time disability claims currently ranges between 316 and 327 days, veterans in certain parts of the country are waiting even longer – 681 days in Reno, 642 in New York, 625 in Pittsburgh, 619 in Los Angeles, 612 in Indianapolis, 586 in Houston, and 510 in Philadelphia. In the worst cases, veterans have waited and continue to wait 800 days, 900 days, and even more than 1000 days for a disability claims decision from the VA.

In the last four years, the number of claims pending for over a year has grown by over 2000%, despite a 40% increase in the VA’s budget. As a reminder, during this same time period, Congress has given VA everything it has asked for in terms of more funding and more employees; however, this has not eliminated the backlog of claims. Solving this problem is critical for veterans of all generations. We need direct and public involvement from you to establish a clear plan to end the backlog once and for all.

This country must be grateful for the safe homecoming of every single man and woman who has served in harm’s way. Our joy at their return must be reflected in our commitment to helping all who have served. We respectfully ask you and your administration to find a solution that ensures that no veterans are stuck in the VA backlog.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Sincerely,

###

Heller: Members of Congress Should Not be Exempt from ObamaCare

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:01 EST

Demands Members of Congress Be Subject to the Law ...

Heller, Horsford Introduce Bill to Ease Restrictions on Mesquite Land Law

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:00:01 EST

(Washington DC) - U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) and U.S. Representative Steven Horsford (NV-4) have introduced legislation that amends current law to provide the City of Mesquite with greater opportunity for long-term economic development.

“Like many other communities across Nevada, Mesquite’s growth is restricted due to the fact that 87 percent of Nevada’s land is controlled by the federal government. This legislation provides Mesquite the flexibility it needs for responsible long-term growth. The bill will also strengthen conservation efforts in Mesquite. I am pleased to join with Representative Horsford in introducing legislation that will ultimately empower Mesquite with greater control over its future development,” said Senator Heller.

“Economic development and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive goals, and this legislation will allow Mesquite to continue to grow in a positive and sustainable manner,” said Representative Horsford. “After meeting with local leaders last weekend, it is clear that this bill is necessary for the continued well-being of Mesquite. The City of Mesquite should have a greater say in determining its future, and I thank Senator Heller for working with me to find a solution that prioritizes the needs of Nevadans.”

Under current law, the City of Mesquite was required to notify BLM by November 13, 2009, if it wanted to purchase the last parcel of land made available by the Mesquite Lands Act and to close the purchase of the deal within one year. This bill takes legislative action to extend the timeline for Mesquite to purchase this land.

This legislation also corrects an omission in the Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002 for the implementation of the Virgin River Habitat Conservation and Recovery Plan (VRHCRP) and the Hydrologic Monitoring & Mitigation Plan (HMMP).

###