Local congressman, with Republican help, gets language in Senate veterans' bill

By The Leader Staff

Central Valley Congressman TJ Cox, who also represents Lemoore and Kings County, last week released the following statement after the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs voted to pass S. 4511, the Veteran Benefits Enhancement Expansion Act of 2020 out of committee.

Included in the Senate bill is language from H.R. 6082, the Forgotten Vietnam Veterans Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill introduced by Cox earlier this year.  

H.R. 6082 changes the time period recognized as the Vietnam War era to cover the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) as Vietnam War-era Veterans. This was a group of more than 3,000 officers and enlisted soldiers who served our nation during the Vietnam War, but are currently ineligible for wartime benefits.

The Forgotten Vietnam Veterans Act would rectify this, so they can receive the benefits they deserve. 

“I am proud to announce that the Senate has included my bill, the Forgotten Vietnam Veterans Act, in S. 4511, the Veteran Benefits Enhancement and Expansion Act of 2020. I’d like to thank Chairman Moran, Senator Boozman, and Senator Tester for their support of my bill said Cox. “This bipartisan, bicameral bill will help to ensure that brave service of those in the U.S. Military Assistance Advisory Group who served our country receive the benefits they earned.”  

Texas Congressman Chip Roy, the lead Republican on the bill, joined Cox to support veterans. “I am proud to work with my friend, Rep. TJ Cox, to support veterans across the country. America should support those who put everything on the line to fight for our freedoms and protect the American way of life. This bill is an important and much-needed measure that will ensure our Vietnam veterans receive the benefits they have earned,” said the Texas congressman.  

Read the full text of S. 4511 here

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