Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023

Floor Speech

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Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise to express my support for H.R. 1530, as amended, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act.

I thank the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee Chairman Luttrell and Ranking Member Pappas for working in a bipartisan manner on the issues in this package. I commend Representatives Ciscomani and McGarvey for their contributions, as well.

Madam Speaker, this bill makes several important changes that will serve to help streamline the medical disability exam process for veterans.

It will also help strengthen recruitment, hiring, and retention at the Board of Veterans' Appeals by creating a new internship program for law students and will expand the reimbursement programs for current employees to include student loans, professional development activities, and bar dues.

This bill will also permanently expand the number of judges appointed to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, allowing the court to process cases faster and grant veterans and survivors the relief they deserve.

Madam Speaker, I support H.R. 1530, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Pappas), my good friend, the ranking member of the House Veterans Affairs' Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs.

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Mr. TAKANO. Madam Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 1530, as amended, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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