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Congressman Albio Sires

Representing the 8th District of New Jersey

Veterans

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.

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. I am proud to have supported the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act, which was passed unanimously by the House of Representatives and subsequently signed into law by the President on February 12, 2015. This legislation expands access to mental health services for our nation’s veterans and increases the capacity and efficiency of VA care for the more than one million veterans returning from war.

The original GI Bill sparked economic growth and expansion after World War II for a whole generation of Americans and made a free college education available to more than 15 million war veterans. I am proud to have voted for the GI Bill for the 21st Century. The new GI Bill fully restores complete, four-year college scholarships for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, making it on par with the educational benefits available to returning soldiers after World War II.  Specifically, this bill increases educational benefits for those who have served at least 3 months on active duty since September 11, 2001.  Additionally, those who have served on active-duty for three years or more would qualify for the full educational benefit or the costs of a four-year education up to the level of the most expensive in-state public school.

I will continue to do everything I can in Congress to ensure that veterans in the 8th District have access to the important care and services they were promised.  We must remain devoted to strengthening quality health care for veterans, and must continue to send returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to college under the new GI Bill. Please know that my office is always open to address any needs or concerns of veterans in our community.

More on Veterans

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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