Costa Says Recognition for Hmong Veterans in VA Bill is Positive Step

Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Jim Costa’s (CA-16) bill language in the Hmong Veterans’ Service Recognition Act was introduced as part of the Supporting, Employing, and Recognizing Veterans in Communities Everywhere (SERVICE) Act, HR 6062. The SERVICE Act was introduced by Acting Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41).

“The inclusion of the Hmong Veterans’ Service Recognition Act in the SERVICE Act is a positive step toward ensuring that Hmong veterans receive the recognition they deserve,” said Rep. Jim Costa. “To get laws enacted, consensus is needed amongst lawmakers from all backgrounds and seniority levels. I am pleased that Acting Ranking Member Takano has made the recognition of Hmong veterans one of his priorities. In addition to extending burial benefits for Hmong and Lao veterans, the SERVICE Act would improve veterans’ healthcare services, housing resources, and education benefits. I urge the RepublicanHouse leadership to consider this legislation for a vote because if enacted, the SERVICE Act would give Hmong veterans the recognition they deserve and positively impact the lives of millions of American heroes.”

The SERVICE Act:

• Extends burial benefits to Hmong and Lao veterans who served beside U.S. Armed Forces during the Vietnam War;
• Improves and streamlines the process for major VA construction and facilities leasing;
• Improves communication between VA and private health care providers, and streamlines the ability of the VA to contract with community providers;
• Increases incentives for businesses to hire veterans and creates a pilot program to boost job training for positions in the manufacturing industry; and
• Increases oversight of schools eligible to receive GI Bill Benefits and increases counseling and access to reliable information for student veterans.

For more information about the SERVICE Act, read the full text, fact sheet, and outline.