Called for the timely response and processing of VA disability claims. The Department of Veterans Affairs added three new illnesses to its list of service-connected disabilities. Because this will lead to a dramatic rise in claims, Congressman Forbes sent a letter to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs seeking to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs has the capacity to deal with such claims. 

Honored one of our nation’s finest men in uniform. Congressman Forbes had the privilege to present several military medals to Mr. James Hornshaw of Chesapeake for his service in the United States Navy during World War II and the Korean War.

Supported veterans training for new jobs. Congressman Forbes supported H.R. 1168, which gives eligible veterans financial assistance while training to learn high-demand skills. This legislation passed by a vote of 356-0. 

Supported the National Veterans’ History Project. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res. 866, which designates a National Veterans History Project Week to encourage participation in a project that gathers the stories of American veterans of war. This resolution passed by a vote of 389-0. 

Congratulated Air Force Academy graduates. Congressman Forbes supported H.Con.Res.139, congratulating the first graduating class of the United States Air Force Academy on their 50th anniversary of graduation. This resolution passed by a vote of 411-0. 

Honored women who have served in the Armed Forces. Congressman Forbes supported H.Res. 868, honoring and recognizing the service and achievements of current and former female members of the Armed Forces. This resolution passed by a vote of 366-0. 

Supported veteran-owned small businesses. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R. 3949, which strengthens existing laws in order to improve the benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This legislation passed by a vote of 382-2.  

Garnered support for resolution honoring fallen troops. Congressman Forbes announced that the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has pledged their support for H.R. 1034. The bill was introduced by Congressman Forbes and would designate the Honor and Remember Flag as an official symbol to recognize and honor members of the Armed Forces who gave “the last full measure of devotion” in the line of duty.

Supported a Vietnam War Memorial Visitors Center. Congressman Forbes supported H.R. 3689 allowing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to construct a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visitors Center between the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National mall. This bill passed the House by a vote of 390-0. 

Calling for Appropriate Veterans Benefits.  Congressman Forbes opposed the exclusion of a one-year fix to the Disabled Veterans’ Tax, also known as Concurrent Receipt, in the annual defense policy bill. The House version of the annual defense policy bill included a well-deserved and long overdue one year fix to the disability retirement offset facing our nation’s disabled veterans. Congressman Forbes, who was a conferee on the final bill, did not sign or approve the final conference report that excluded the provision.

Supported changes to provide more timely, predictable, and sufficient funding for our veterans. Congressman Forbes supported  H.R. 1016, which would provide the Department of Veterans Affairs with two years of funds in a spending cycle rather than one year of funding. This bill passed by a vote of 419-1.

Met with representatives of the Brain Injury Association of America.  Congressman Forbes discussed best practices and possible solutions for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain injury suffered by servicemembers. Earlier this year, Congressman Forbes participated in an oversight visit to the military’s Brain Trauma Center at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, which is the national medical center for our servicemembers who have suffered this kind of injury.      

Recognized and supported the goals and ideals of American Legion Day.  H. Res. 679 calls upon the people of the United States to observe American Legion Day, September 16 with programs and activities. The American Legion, a veterans service organizations, received its Federal charter on September 16, 1919 and has since remained active at the national, state, and local levels. American Legion members, known as Legionnaires, believe that a veteran’s service to the United States continues long after the veteran is discharged from the Armed Forces.  This resolution passed the House unanimously.

Sought to protect and honor the memory of veterans. Congressman Forbes and the other members of the Virginia Congressional delegation sent a letter to the Department of the Interior requesting that the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia, be included in the National Park System. This monument honors all those who participated in the Normandy invasion of June 6, 1944, in particular the 21 boys from Bedford who gave their lives that day. The Secretary of the Interior agreed to initiate a preliminary assessment of the Memorial’s eligibility to be included in the National Park System.

Increased funding for home improvement for disabled veterans. Congressman Forbes voted in support of H.R. 1293, which would increase the amount authorized for disability-related improvements made to homes of veterans with service-connected disabilities. This bill passed the House by a vote of 426-0.

Increased assistance for caregivers of disabled veterans. Congressman Forbes supported H.R. 3155 to make support services available to caregivers of disabled veterans, both family and non-family. These services include educational sessions teaching caring techniques, strategies, respite and nursing care, counseling and mental health services, medical care, lodging and subsistence.  This bill passed the House by voice vote.

Increased insurance availability for veterans. Congressman Forbes supported H.R. 3219 to establish permanent extension of Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) coverage for completely disabled veterans. This legislation also allows veterans under age 60 to increase coverage under Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI) in increments of up to $25,000 during each five-year period, to a maximum amount of $400,000.  This bill passed the House by voice vote.

Supported the growth of veteran-owned businesses. Congressman Forbes supported H.R.1803 to establish Veterans Business Center program to provide entrepreneurial training and counseling to veterans.  This bill passed the House by voice vote.

Opposed increased costs for veterans' healthcare. Congressman Forbes signed a letter to members of the House Committees on Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce and Education and Labor appealing for any healthcare reform to maintain TRICARE and VA healthcare benefits. 

Recognized the sacrifice and service of Korean War Veterans. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R. 2632 to add National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, July 27, to the list of days on which the flag of the United States should be displayed. This bill passed by a vote of 421-0.

Voted for H.R. 1037, the Pilot College Work Study Program, which directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility of work-study activities. The bill would increase the availability of funding for student veterans and expand the scope of positions available to veterans at educational institutions. 

The bill passed the House unanimously.Voted for H.R. 3082, which provides the largest level of veterans funding since World War II, and also includes advanced funding for the Veterans medical care budget. Congressman Forbes was influential in drafting language for this bill many months ago to not only authorize, but to appropriate this funding for veterans' medical needs. The bill passed the House by a vote of 415-3.

Providing for Veterans Medical Needs. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R. 3082, which provides the largest level of veterans funding since World War II, and also includes advanced funding for the Veterans medical care budget. Congressman Forbes was influential in drafting language for this bill many months ago to not only authorize, but to appropriate this funding for veterans' medical needs. The bill passed the House by a vote of 415-3.

Supported the awareness of medical conditions incurred through military service. Congressman Forbes cosponsored H.R. 1428 to add Parkinson's disease to the list of diseases presumed to have been incurred in or aggravated by military service in Vietnam. This legislation would make the disease compensable under veterans’ disability compensation provided a veteran served during a certain period.

Supported increased benefits for disabled military retirees. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.2990 to expand eligibility for the concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veterans' disability compensation to include disability retirees. The bill extends bonus and special pay authorities, while increasing benefits for federal employees. In addition, this bill provides a one year fix to address the debt owed to our wounded veterans. Congressman Forbes supports a permanent fix and voted to support one during the markup of the annual defense policy bill. 

Supported a cost-of-living increase for veterans. Congressman Forbes voted for S.407 to increase veterans' disability compensation, clothing allowances, and dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children. 

Supported timely funding of veterans’ health care services. Congressman voted for H.R.1016 expressing the sense of Congress that health care services to veterans could be more effectively and efficiently planned and managed if funding was provided once every two years. Currently, separate spending bills must be passed by Congress, which often jeopardizes timely funding to the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Called for comprehensive health care services for women veterans. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.1211 to expand and improve health care services available to women, especially those serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. 

Increased Internet resources available to veterans and their families. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.1172, which directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to include a list of organizations that provide scholarships to veterans and their survivors on their Internet website.

Supported the designation of a National D-Day Memorial. Congressman Forbes signed a letter to the Secretary of the Interior supporting the Bedford, Virginia memorial as a National D-Day Monument. This designation would enable the Department to promote and maintain the monument through the National Park Service.

Supported additional funds to pay for key veterans benefits. Congressman Forbes announced that he signed a letter to House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt (D-SC) requesting that he use the “reserve funds” in this year’s budget resolution to pay for benefits promised to our nation’s veterans, military retirees and their families. 

Protected the rights of disabled and injured veterans. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.466, a bill that prohibits employer related discrimination to an individual because of any treatment for and illness, injury, or disability caused by military service. 

Increased veteran access to housing and homeless assistance programs. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R.403, which expands the supply of supportive housing for very low-income veterans, and makes housing rental vouchers and public housing available to more veterans.

Honored the 65th Anniversary of D-Day. Congressman Forbes cosponsored and voted for H.Res. 259, recognizing the heroic action of the D-Day Invasion at Normandy. June 6, 1944, was one of our nation’s proudest days and had a significant impact on the outcome of World War II. Click here to read Congressman Forbes' statement on the 65th Anniversary of D-Day.

Called on Americans to honor Memorial Day. Congressman Forbes voted for H.Res. 360, urging Americans to visit the national cemeteries, memorials, and markers on Memorial Day. Congressman Forbes gave a speech at the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Ceremony in Suffolk, Virginia to honor Veterans.

Protected Veterans from discrimination. Supported H.R 466, the Wounded Veteran Job Security Act, which prohibits discrimination and acts of reprisal against Veterans who receive treatment for illnesses, injuries, and disabilities incurred in or aggravated by service in the uniformed services.

Supported new technologies to assist disabled veterans. Congressman Forbes voted for H.R 1170, which provides grants through the Department of Veterans Affairs for the development of new assistive technologies for specially adapted housing for disabled veterans.

Met with Virginian veterans to discuss veterans programs. Congressman Forbes met with veterans associated with the Military Officers Association of America where he discussed his commitment to implementing a two-year budget cycle for veteran health care funding, his opposition to TRICARE fare increases, and his support for a robust defense.  To read more about Congressman Forbes' work on veterans issues, click here. 

Supported veterans workforce training. Congressman Forbes voted in favor of H.R. 1171, a bill to provide federal job training, counseling, and placement programs to assist homeless veterans return to the workforce.  

Increased disability compensation for veterans. Congressman Forbes supported H.R. 1513, to increase disability compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities. The bill would also provide dependency and indemnity compensation for widows and children of disabled veterans. Last year, Congress, with Congressman Forbes’ strong support, provided more assistance for our nation’s veterans than any other time in history.

Signed a bipartisan letter to President Obama urging him to reject a plan that would change veterans health care. President Obama announced a plan requiring private insurance companies to reimburse the Department of Veterans Affairs for care provided for service-related care and disabled veterans.  This proposal ignores the government’s charge to care for veterans, and if implemented, it could have forced many veterans to exceed their maximum coverage limits.  In light of pressure from veterans groups and Members of Congress, including the entire Hampton Roads delegation, President Obama rescinded his proposal at the end of the week.  

Cosponsored H.R. 816, the Military Retirees Health Care Protection Act, to prohibit increasing TRICARE fees for active duty military and premiums for members of the Reserve.   

Cosponsored H.R. 613, Military Retiree Survivor Comfort Act, to provide for forgiveness of certain overpayments of retired pay to the spouse following the death of a retired member of the Armed Forces.  This legislation takes care of the military spouse in the aftermath of the death of a retired military member until survivor benefits initialize.    

Cosponsored H.R. 303, to permit retired members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability to receive both disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs and retired pay or Combat-Related Special Compensation.  The phase-in period under current law for these compensations would be eliminated.  

Cosponsored H.R. 1203, to allow Federal civilian and military retirees to pay health insurance premiums on a pretax basis and allow a deduction for TRICARE supplemental premiums.

Cosponsored H.R. 775, the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act.  At present, a surviving spouse can only receive the sum equal to the benefits in their survivors benefit pay package.  This bill would allow a spouse to be compensated for a service related death and still receive full survivor benefits.  This bill is being considered by the House Committee on Veteran’ Affairs.

Voted in favor of the H.R. 2638, the Fiscal Year 2009 Continuing Resolution, which includes funding for veterans affairs initiatives in Fiscal Year 2009. The bill provides a record level of funding, $94 billion, for all veterans’ programs for FY2009, which is $6 billion more than FY2008. Congressman Forbes signed a letter to President Bush, Speaker Pelosi, and House Leadership urging that the FY2009 Veterans spending bill be brought for a final vote before the new Fiscal Year 2009 begins on October 1, 2008. Provisions included in the bill that may be of interest to veterans in the Fourth District include:

    --$41 billion for VA health programs, which is 9% more than the current level.         

    --$5 billion for VA hospitals, which is 14% more than the base budget request.

    --Increased gas mileage reimbursement from 28.5 to 41.5 cents per mile for veterans who must travel long distances for medical care.

Since 2007, the federal government has devoted more resources to caring for our nation’s veterans than at any time in modern history, according to the Congressional Research Service.

Voted in favor of H.R. 6897, the Filipino Veterans Equity Act of 2008, which would compensate Filipinos who fought for the United States in World War II. Additionally, Congressman Forbes supported S. 1315, the Veterans' Benefits Enhancement Act of 2008, which would include approximately $221 million in benefits for at least 13,000 Filipino veterans.

Signed on as an original cosponsor to H.R. 7111, to designate the Honor and Remember Flag created by Honor and Remember, Inc., as an official symbol to recognize and honor members of the Armed Forces who died in the line of duty. The flag was designed by Chesapeake Resident George Lutz, whose son, Corporal George Lutz II, died in Fallujah, Iraq in 2005.

Supported H.R. 6625, the Veteran Voting Support Act, which would allow states to designate Veterans Affairs Department facilities as voter-registration agencies. This bill would require VA facilities designated as voter-registration agencies to provide information about absentee ballots and to make such ballots available upon request.  Additionally, the bill would allow nonpartisan organizations to provide voter registration information at VA facilities. H.R. 6625 was written in response to a department policy established in May 2008 that permitted voting assistance in VA facilities only upon request. In a policy change, the department announced on September 8, 2008 that it would “welcome state and local election officials and nonpartisan groups to its hospitals and outpatient clinics to assist VA officials in registering voters at VA facilities.”  Congressman Forbes supports establishing this policy as law to ensure that our veterans are afforded the ability and access to exercise their constitutional right to vote which they have fought so courageously to protect.

Voted in favor of H.R. 1527, the Rural Veterans Access to Care Act, to improve access to health care for veterans who live rural areas. This bill establishes a three-year pilot program allowing certain “highly rural” veterans to receive covered health services through a non-VA health care provider if they reside more than 60 miles from the nearest primary care VA facility, 120 miles from a VA hospital, or 240 miles from a VA facility providing specialty care. Veterans who fail to meet such distance requirements, but are subject to hardship or difficulty in travel, may be eligible for the program at the determination of the department. 

Voted in favor of S. 2617, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008. This bill increases compensation paid to veterans with service-connected disabilities and dependent and indemnity compensation for families of deceased veterans. Congress has provided annual increases in these rates for every fiscal year since 1976. The benefit increase is related to changes in the Consumer Price Index, a key measure of inflation, and linked to the annual increase for Social Security recipients.

Supported H.R. 6608 which compensates employees of the House of Representatives for lost income in the event they are called up for active duty. This bill directs the House to provide the difference in pay between a staff member’s House salary and military pay when the staff member is on active duty for more than 30 days.

Voted in favor of H.R. 6559, the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Fiscal Year 2009 spending bill. This bill provides a record level of funding, $94 billion, for all veterans' programs next year, which is $6 billion more than this year. The measure provides $41 billion for VA health programs, which is 9% more than the current level. For VA hospitals, $5 billion is included, which is 14% more than the base budget request. Since 2007, the federal government has devoted more resources to caring for our nation’s veterans than at any time in modern history. The previous high was in 1947, when $80 billion in inflation-adjusted dollars was spent after most of the 16.1 million Americans serving in World War II left the service, according to a Congressional Research Services report. 

Voted in favor of an amendment to H.R. 6559to provide an additional $18 million for the construction of extended care facilities for veterans. This would have allowed the VA to address a large amount of its current backlog and help our veterans receive better care. The amendment did not pass.

Signed a letter to President Bush, Speaker Pelosi, and House Leadership urging the FY 2009 Veterans spending bill, H.R. 6559, to be brought for a final vote before the new fiscal year begins. The Military Construction and Veterans’ Affairs Appropriations bill is currently awaiting action in the Senate. After passing the Senate, Congressional leadership must reconcile the differences so that both chambers of Congress vote on identical measures. Last year, heightened partisanship delayed the passage of the Veterans spending bill, costing our veterans $18.5 million a day from October 1st through December 26th of 2007. The beginning of Fiscal Year 2009 for the federal government is October 1, 2008. 

Supported H.R. 1527, Rural Veterans Access to Care Act¸ which allows veterans to elect to receive covered health services through a non-VA health care provider if they reside more than 60 miles from the nearest primary care VA facility, 120 miles from a VA hospital, or 240 miles from a VA facility providing specialty care.
  

Voted in favor of H.R. 2192, to establish an Ombudsman within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The measure creates an office to assist veterans and family members contact and utilize the services of the VA. The office also provides confidentiality for veterans and family members.

Voted in favor of H.R. 5892, the Veterans Disability Benefits Claims Modernization Act, which will make recommendations to provide a comprehensive overhaul of the Department of Veterans Affair’s disability rating system. There are nearly 24 million veterans and more than 2.7 million receive disability compensation benefits from the VA. Upon filing a claim for disability compensation benefits at the VA, veterans and their beneficiaries are facing increased waiting times. As of July 19, 2008, the number of pending disability compensation claims stood at nearly 630,000, with almost a quarter of these pending for longer than six months.

Supported H.R. 6445, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from collecting certain co-payments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled.

Voted in favor of H.R. 6580, the Hubbard Act of 2008, which allows a servicemember to be discharged if they are the only remaining family member because other family member(s) were killed in action. Voted in favor of H.R. 3329, the Homes for Heroes Act.  This bill would provide 20,000 housing vouchers to homeless veterans and establish a Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans have sufficient access to HUD housing assistance programs.  According to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, more than 154,000 veterans are homeless in our country on any given night.

Applauded the Department of Veterans Affairs decision to establish a new Veterans Outpatient Clinic in Emporia, Virginia.  The community-based outpatient clinic will significantly reduce travel distance to the nearest VA hospital and increase access to health care for veterans across the Fourth Congressional District.  The state-of-the-art clinic, which is the first of its kind in the Fourth District, will focus not only on providing primary treatment but also prevention of disease, early detection, and health promotion.  “This is very exciting news for veterans and for the Fourth District," said Congressman Forbes. "This veteran’s outpatient clinic will make quality health care much more accessible to veterans in the Fourth District.  We have worked closely with veterans across the Fourth District and with the Department of Veterans Affairs officials on this issue for quite awhile, and it is exciting to see the much-needed facility finally begin to come to fruition. As a country, it our privilege and our duty to honor our nation's veterans and see that the commitments we have made to them are carried out."  The Emporia clinic is scheduled to be activated in the next 24 months. 

Supported passage of H.R. 2818, the Veterans' Epilepsy Treatment Act of 2008, which would establish five “Epilepsy Centers of Excellence” to perform research, education, and clinical care related to epilepsy.  Today, there are nearly 89,000 veterans that suffer from epilepsy, most notably because the increased use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan has caused traumatic brain injuries, which is thought to be a factor in the development of epilepsy.  

Supported passage of H.Res. 1231, which expresses support for the goals and ideals of Vietnam Veterans Day.  Vietnam Veterans Day was created to recognize and remember the Americans who sacrificed their lives or their health in the Vietnam War.  The Vietnam War was the longest military conflict in United States history.  More than 58,000 brave Americans lost their lives and 304,000 were wounded while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Supported H.R. 4044, the National Guard and Reservists Debt Relief Act of 2008.  This bill provides a temporary exemption from the Chapter 7 bankruptcy means-test for Guardsmen and Reservists who have served on active duty for 90 days since September 11, 2001.

Supported Amendment #2 to H.R. 2642, the Supplemental Appropriations Bill of 2008.  This amendment expanded GI bill veterans’ education benefits to provide tuition sufficient to cover the cost of a four year college for members of the Armed Forces who served on active duty after September 11, 2001 for at least three years.  Additionally, the amendment permits these education benefits to be transferred to spouses and dependents.  The measure also included a 13-week extension of unemployment insurance for all states, and postponed six Medicaid regulations proposed by the Bush Administration.   

Supported the Senate Amendments to H.R. 634, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act.  This bill would require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of veterans who became disabled while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States.

Supported S. 1692, to grant a Federal Charter to the Korean War Veterans Association, Incorporated.  This bill will give nonprofit status to an organization that is dedicated to serving the interests of veterans of the Korean War.  

Supported H. Res. 1235, which expressing support for National D-Day Remembrance Day.  D-Day was June 6, 1944, and reopened a Western front against the Germans in World War II through a beach assault at Normandy, France.   The D-Day assault, codenamed Operation Overlord, was the most extensive amphibious invasion ever to occur, and involved 5,000 ships, over 11,000 sorties of Allied aircraft, and 150,000 American, British, and Canadian troops on the first day of the operation.  American troops suffered significant losses during the assault, including over 6,500 casualties.  The resolution before the House expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that June 6 should be recognized as a National D-Day Remembrance Day. 

Supported H. Con. Res. 336, honoring the sacrifices and contributions made by disabled American veterans.  There are approximately 2.8 million veterans whose disabilities were sustained while defending our Nation.  Those disabled veterans are entitled to benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.  The resolution recognizes the great sacrifices made by disabled veterans and their families and calls on the people of the United States to honor all disabled American veterans and the freedom for which they sacrificed.

Voted in favor of adding a provision to H.R. 5658 that would expand GI benefits.  The proposal would allow veterans to transfer GI bill benefits to their spouse or children and would also increase GI benefits to $1,500 per month, and as much as $2,000 per month after 12 years of service.  The GI bill provides money for servicemen and women to attend college after serving our nation.  The measure failed to pass 186 – 223.

Voted in favor of H.R. 3819, the Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2007, which would reimburse disabled veterans for the cost of emergency treatment received at a non-Department of Veterans Affairs hospital. 

Voted in favor of H.R. 5826, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2008, which would increase the rates of veterans’ disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation for surviving spouses and children, and other allowances and compensation for our nation’s veterans.

Cosponsored H.Con.Res. 336, a resolution that honors our nations’ disabled veterans for their unique sacrifices and contributions. 

Supported House passage of H.R. 6048, which provides parents who are members of the Armed Forces deployed overseas protection for current child custody orders.  More specifically, this legislation would preclude the court from entering an order modifying or amending a previous child custody judgment, except if there is clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child. Furthermore, it would prohibit any court from considering a member's absence due to deployment, or possible deployment, in support of a contingency operation in determining the best interest of the child.

Voted in favor of H.R. 3681, the Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2007, which allows the Department of Veterans Affairs to advertise in media outlets across the country to increase awareness of benefits available to veterans who have served our country.

Supported House passage of H.R. 5554, the Veterans Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008, which would ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs provides access to care and treatment for substance abuse disorders to veterans.  The measure also would provide outreach to veterans of Operations Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom who may be at risk for substance abuse disorders.

Cosponsored H.R. 5868, the Caleb Martin-Travis Dodson Wounded Warrior Retention Act, which would allow those members of the Armed Forces who would otherwise be retired or separated due to a combat-related disability to continue to serve in the military so if they are able to medically perform noncombat-related military duties.

Attended Virginia Council of Chapters of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) annual Congressional Appreciation Luncheon. The luncheon was for the members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation for their leadership and support of veterans, military retirees and active military force issues.  MOAA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan veteran’s organization, which represents regular and reserve association members from the seven uniformed services. MOAA’s main mission is to provide assistance to military personnel on career transition and military benefits issues. 

Attended a Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) reception and award presentation of the Congressional Service Award.  MOAA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan veteran’s organization representing regular and reserve association members from the seven uniformed services.  MOAA’s main mission is to provide assistance to military personnel on career transition and military benefits issues.  Congressman Forbes later met with retired Army Colonel Sam Wilder, the legislative chair for the Virginia Council of Chapters for MOAA, to discuss improvement of the disability ratings system for our veterans. 

Supported House passage of H.R. 4116, which provides for the issuance of a veterans’ health care postage stamp.  Proceeds from the stamp would go to veterans’ health care funding through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Supported H.R. 4169, the American Braille Flag Memorial Act, which allows the Army to place an American Braille tactile flag honoring blind members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and other Americans in Arlington National Cemetery.

Supported H. Res. 963, which supports the goals and ideals of National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week.  The goals for this week, February 11-15, 2008, include expressing appreciation for hospitalized veterans, increasing community awareness of the role of Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers, and encouraging citizens to visit hospitalized veterans or become volunteers.

Visited the Veterans’ Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Richmond with the Secretary of the Army Pete Geren on Friday, December 14. The Secretary of the Army is the senior official of the Department of the Army and responsible for the effective and efficient functioning of the Army. The Congressman met with wounded soldiers and doctors at the polytrauma unit at the hospital. VAMC – Richmond is one of only five VA hospitals in the country with a dedicated polytrauma unit to provide care and services to veterans who have been subject to multiple traumatic injuries.

Cosponsored H. Res. 111, which would establish a Select Committee on POW and MIA Affairs. The select committee would consist of Members of Congress, and would conduct a full investigation of all unresolved matters relating to any United States personnel unaccounted for from the Vietnam era, the Korean conflict, World War II, Cold War Missions, or Gulf War, including MIA's and POW's.

Cosponsored H.Con.Res. 32, honoring the members of the United States Air Force who were killed in the June 25, 1996 terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers United States military housing compound near Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The resolution honors the legacy of the brave men and women who died in defense of our nation and calls upon every American to pause and pay tribute to those brave airmen.

Cosponsored H.Res. 753 to honor the Soldiers and Officers of “PO Box 1142.” From 1942 through the end of World War II, a top secret Military Intelligence Service operated clandestinely on the shores of the Potomac River. Known only by its mailing address, Post Office Box 1142, the men at this post provided the military with intelligence that brought an end to the war and gave the U.S. the early advantage in the Cold War. Throughout the war and in its aftermath, the post interrogated nearly 4,000 of the most important German prisoners of war. PO Box 1142 uncovered intelligence on the atomic bomb, the jet engine and the V-2 rocket. It wasn’t until National Park Service Rangers uncovered declassified documents that the operations of PO Box 1142 finally came into public light.

Supported H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007, which would guarantee that members of our military are allowed to keep their signing bonus and other bonuses they were entitled to if they are discharged from military service because of injuries sustained in combat. The bill was cosponsored by Congressman Forbes and passed the House unanimously on December 18, 2007. Numerous soldiers who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan were sent bills from the Army demanding the recoupment of their military signing bonuses. These soldiers were told that this was based on their inability to complete their military service obligation, even though it was combat related injuries that led to their dismissal.

Supported H.R. 3997, The Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2007, which modernizes the tax code to meet the tax code challenges faced by service members. This legislation permanently extends the opportunity for service members to treat combat pay as earned income for the purposes of the earned income credit. Combat pay is otherwise exempt from Federal taxes, which can lead service members income to be artificially low in calculations for the earned income credit. The bill would also allow life insurance payments paid to survivors of military members to be contributed to a Roth IRA or a education savings account.

Signed a letter to Acting Secretary of Veterans Affairs asking him to ensure all veterans are afforded the opportunity to have the 13-fold flag recitation at their funerals. The recitation, a long tradition in the military, accompanies each fold to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of our veterans, their families, the United States, and the beliefs they hold dear. After banning the recitation because of references to "God" and religion, the Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs reversed course on November 2, 2007 after the letter was sent. The Secretary issued a directive that restored this right to the surviving family of any veteran who wished to have the recitation included in the burial of their loved one.

Voted in favor of H. Res 680, which condemns all attacks upon the memory of veterans and their service to the United States, such as the incident of vandalism of September 7, 2007, at the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Cosponsored H.R. 1589, the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act, which allows the spouses of combat-wounded veterans who received Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for their injuries the ability to receive the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities they would have previously been entitled to, had it not been for the DIC payments. Currently, spouses of combat-wounded veterans who get DIC receive reduced pension benefits in the event the former military member passes away. The current reduction in benefits is equal to the amount of DIC payments.

Cosponsored H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act, which fixes a policy error that led to service members who were discharged from the military due to a combat-related injury subsequently losing part of their enlistment bonus. The current policy prohibits bonuses from being paid in full to service members unless their entire military obligation is fulfilled. The President’s Commission on Care for our Nation’s Returning Wounded Warriors, co-chaired by former Senator Bob Dole and former Secretary Donna Shalala, found that the Department of Defense (DoD) is unfairly penalizing our nation’s wounded veterans by not providing them with their full enlistment bonuses. This legislation would require the DoD to provide veterans who have been discharged due to combat-related wounds with the full payment of any and all remaining bonuses within 30 days of discharge. The Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act is supported by Disabled American Veterans, the Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

Cosponsored H.Res. 542, a resolution which recognizes the invaluable contributions of the National Guard. The National Guard is the oldest component of the Armed Forces of the United States and one of the nation's longest enduring institutions. Guardsmen contributed significantly to our nation’s efforts in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Currently, the National Guard is playing a key role in Afghanistan and Iraq. As of July 31, 2007, 242,271 Guardsmen had been deployed to these two countries.

Signed a letter to Speaker Pelosi urging House Leadership to bring the FY 2008 Veterans spending bill for a final vote before the new fiscal year begins. The Veterans Bill, H.R. 2642, is one of three spending bills this year passed by both the House and Senate. In order for veterans programs to receive full funding at the beginning of the new fiscal year, the differences between the two bills must be reconciled and then voted on in each chamber of Congress before October 1st.

Cosponsored H.R. 23, a Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2007, which directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to certain honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served during World War II, including those who served in the Army and Navy Transport Services.

Cosponsored and voted to support H.Res. 663, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day. In 1899, veterans of the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection, upset by the poor treatment they received following their return from America’s first major overseas conflicts, established organizations to advocate for the rights and benefits then denied to the veterans of these foreign conflicts. In 1914, these veterans’ organizations, recognizing their common goals and the importance of unity, merged to form the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW). In the 108 years since the VFW’s founding, members have proudly carried on the organization’s mission of “ensuring rights, remembering sacrifices, promoting patriotism, performing community services and advocating for a strong national defense.” The VFW has effectively advocated for our nation’s veterans, to include helping establish the present-day Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), working to enact the Montgomery G.I. Bill, developing the national cemetery system, and helping wounded combat veterans receive compensation for injuries received in service to our nation.

Voted in favor of H.R. 2642, Military Construction and Veteran's Affairs Appropriations Act of 2008, which would fund the Department of Veterans Affairs at a record $43.2 billion. The legislation represents the largest increase for veterans since the VA was created. Military construction would also receive $21.4 billion, which is $207 million more than requested and $5.1 billion over the current year's funding. The measure also completely funds the Army's 2008 Base Realignment and Closure account.

Received information from the Department of Defense on the number of retired Veterans living in the Fourth Congressional District. According to the Department of Defense, more than 16,000 retired veterans who have served 20 years or more live in the Fourth District, which ranks 8th out of the 435 Congressional Districts. As a Commonwealth, Virginia is home to more than 5% of all retired veterans in the United States.

Supported H.R. 67, the Veterans Outreach Improvement Act of 2007, legislation that would establish grants for state and local veterans outreach programs to ensure veterans are aware of their benefits and available services.

Supported H.R. 612, the Returning Servicemember Veterans Affairs Healthcare Insurance Act of 2007, legislation that would extend the term of free healthcare for returning service members from two years to five years - a change that is intended to help veterans who may have health problems that do not become apparent until well after their military discharge.

Supported H.R. 1470, the Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act, which mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to have chiropractic care available at 75 Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers by 2009 and all VA medical centers by 2011. Previous legislation requires the VA to provide chiropractic services at its medical facilities, but the VA had not implemented the practice quickly.

Supported H.R. 2199, the Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007, legislation that would authorize new research centers for traumatic brain injury and a comprehensive program for treating traumatic brain injuries at health centers operated by the VA.

Supported H.R. 2239, the Early Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Act, legislation that would extend eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits to severely disabled servicemembers not yet discharged from the military.

Met with members of the Virginia Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) to discuss servicemember pay and military health care benefits. MOAA is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan association representing military officers in the U.S. MOAA has a national membership of approximately 362,000 members from every branch of military service, with nearly 44,000 MOAA members in Virginia.

Cosponsored H.R. 711, the Troops to Teachers Improvement Act, which will expand the amount of eligible schools for the Troops-to-Teachers program. This program provides assistance for retiring military personnel to become teachers in school districts with a lack of teachers or a large low-income population. Through this program, over 10,000 veterans have brought important areas of expertise such as math, science, and foreign language to the nation's classrooms since its beginning in 1993.

Voted in favor of H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act, which passed the House of Representatives. This legislation ensures that soldiers receive adequate care and would improve the oversight of facilities, procedures and outpatient care services. This legislation sets the stage for much needed reform of administrative processes and is an important step toward eliminating delays and improving care for our wounded soldiers throughout the entire recovery process.

Cosponsored to H.R. 1110, which would permit federal, civilian and military retirees to pay federal health care premiums on a pretax basis. Currently, employees in the public and private sectors are able to pay for health insurance with pretax dollars. This benefit is referred to as a "premium conversion plan." The tax code, however, does not provide authority for employers to make premium conversion benefits available to their retirees. This legislation would address that need. The bill would also provide a tax deduction for supplemental premiums or enrollment fees for TRICARE, the military's health care insurance program.

Cosponsored H.R. 303, The Retired Pay Restoration Act of 2007, which would eliminate the phase-in period for previously passed legislation that provides concurrent compensation of both retirement and disability benefits for military retirees with 50% or more service-connected disability. Congressman Forbes supports pay of both retirement and disability compensation for military retirees with a disability.

Cosponsored H.R. 784, a bill to benefit the nation's retired veterans paying into the Survivor Benefit Program (SBP). Congress approved a bill eight years ago, which will become effective in 2008, and authorizes retired service members who reach the age of 70 and have paid SBP premiums for at least 30 years to enter a "paid-up" status. This status ends their obligation to pay premiums at that time but still retains the benefit for their surviving spouse upon their death. This bill moves the effective date to October 1, 2007.

Cosponsored H.R. 440, the Medal of Honor Gold Content Act of 2007. The Medal of Honor, the highest honor bestowed to the nation's finest men and women in uniform, is not made of gold, but is a brass-plated medallion. This legislation would direct the military to make the Medal of Honor in gold, creating a true symbol of gratitude, valor and respect to the recipients, who, more often than not, have given their lives in service to our country. Only two Medals of Honor have been awarded during the conflict in Iraq.