Noteboom The Law Firm

Lame Duck Session Benefits Veterans

January 26, 2011 - Congress used December's lame duck session to help veterans even though no one thought they could get so much accomplished. What Congress passed in that short session was impressive not only in how many different ways they helped veterans, but that they passed anything at all. But, they did, and in the end, gave Iraq and Afghanistan veterans much needed benefits.

The legislation Congress pushed through was varied and expansive. First, they addressed the Post-9/11 GI Bill and expanded coverage to Guardsmen along with other non-traditional students. Overall, more than 400,000 veterans will be affected by the improvements to the new GI Bill.

The outgoing Democratic Congress also voted to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell, which would not likely have occurred with the incoming Congress. President Obama signed the repeal when it hit his desk.  

Additionally, Congress helped veterans gain government employment by voting to extend veteran hiring protections to all legislative jobs on Capitol Hill. Not all jobs will see their exemption fall away, but many veterans will now be able to work in the legislative branch. 

Congress also passed a very stripped down Defense Bill. Included in the passed version were provisions increasing the number of mental health providers in the military as well as requiring the military to conduct screening prior to deployment. This is done to set a base to which they can compare post-deployment traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) as well as improving their treatment of Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

Finally, Congress addressed the mess at Arlington National Cemetery. They passed legislation forcing the Army to completely change protocols and procedures as well as demanding an audit of the records of all the graves at Arlington. Still being considered is if the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will take over control of the cemetery.

There are still many veteran-related issues that still must be addressed, such as veteran unemployment rates and suicides among military personnel. For now, the outgoing Congress helped out veterans in a big way and set a high standard for the incoming Congress.