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Congressman Albio Sires

Representing the 8th District of New Jersey

Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a range of benefits and services to veterans and eligible dependents who meet certain criteria as authorized by law. These benefits include medical care, disability compensation and pensions, education, vocational rehabilitation and employment services, assistance to homeless veterans, home loan guarantees, administration of life insurance and traumatic injury protection insurance for servicemembers, and death benefits that cover burial expenses.

It is vital that Congress provide the VA with the resources and oversight needed to assist veterans in the most effective and transparent way possible.  Since I became a member of Congress, I have worked to ensure that all our veterans are given access to affordable housing, healthcare, and tuition assistance. With our aging veteran population and so many new veterans returning home, I am committed to providing veterans and their families with the care and benefits they deserve.

I am proud to have cosponsored numerous pieces of legislation that seek to bolster programs to help veterans and their families adjust to civilian life, obtain quality health care, and access the services they need including H.R. 1472, the Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act, and H.R. 3272, the Veteran Education Empowerment Act.  H.R. 1472, introduced by Rep. James Langevin (D-RI), would improve services and support for family caregivers of military servicemembers and veterans by expanding eligibility for benefits.  H.R. 3272, introduced by Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL), would establish a grant program through the Department of Education for colleges and universities to create veteran student centers to help student veterans obtain federal and state benefits, thrive in school, and find a job after graduation.

Our men and women in uniform face enormous challenges adjusting to civilian life upon returning home, and I support efforts to help our veterans make this transition. Just as the military pledges to leave no soldier behind on the battlefield, we will leave no veteran behind when they return home.

More on Veterans

Sires Statement on Solution to Re-Open the Government and Avoid Default

Oct 17, 2013
I am relieved that Congress has finally broken through the gridlock that initiated the government shutdown. Although 16 days is far too long for this stalemate to have occurred, thousands of American families woke up today knowing that not only can they pay their bills, but the United States of America can continue paying its bills.

Washington Review, October 11, 2013

Oct 11, 2013
Today is the 11th day that the United States government is shutdown. Discussions in Congress continue, but uncertainty remains all too real for American families across the nation.

In Memory of Nicholas Oresko

Oct 9, 2013
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in memory of Master Sergeant Nicholas Oresko, the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient, and Bayonne, New Jersey native, who passed away on October 4, 2013 at the age of ninety-six.

Sires Praises Grant to Support Homeless Veterans in New Jersey

Jul 15, 2013
(Washington, D.C.)—Congressman Sires along with Congressman Donald Payne Jr. and (D-NJ) and Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) have announced that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will award a $2 million Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) grant to the non-profit organization, Soldier On. Funds will allow Soldier On to expand services that assist veterans who are at-risk of becoming homeless in Hudson, Essex, and Bergen Counties.

Washington Review May 24, 2013

May 24, 2013
This week, a deadly tornado swept through Oklahoma, devastating the town of Moore and its surrounding areas. I am saddened over the loss of life and the destruction caused by the natural disaster, particularly those innocent lives lost in the school yard. Words cannot comfort those who lost loved ones, but as proven with Superstorm Sandy, we as a nation stand with our fellow citizens in their time of need. I will work with my colleagues from Oklahoma to make sure that the victims get the assistance they need to rebuild.

Sires Votes to Support Veterans

Jul 10, 2012
Washington, DC—On July 9, 2012, Congressman Sires supported H.R. 4114 the Veterans Compensation Cost of Living Adjustment Act and H.R. 4155 the Veterans Skills Jobs Act. Together these two pieces of legislation adjust the rate of compensation disabled veterans and their families receive in addition to recognizing the valuable skills gained while serving in the armed forces.

Congressman Sires Congratulates Bayonne and Jersey City on Receiving COPS Hiring Program Grants

Jun 25, 2012
Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Sires congratulated Bayonne and Jersey City on their receipt of COPS Hiring Program grants to hire or rehire law enforcement officers.

Sires Votes to Support Veterans

Jun 1, 2012
Washington, DC- On May 31, 2012, Congressman Sires joined his colleagues in The House of Representatives in voting in favor H.R. 5854, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013. This legislation would invest in veteran’s healthcare facilities and programs by providing funding through 2014. The bill passed the House by a vote of 407-12.

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