WASHINGTON, DC – Greek-American Congressman John P. Sarbanes who represents Maryland’s Third Congressional District, shared the following update on May 31:

On Memorial Day, we honor the valiant men and women who gave their lives in service to this country and all those we have lost. We stand with families as they remember loved ones who bravely fought for our freedom and democracy. We will never be able to repay the debt we owe our veterans, active-duty service members and their families.

I recently attended the Annapolis Vet Center’s open house, an event to showcase the facility’s new renovations and connect veterans with the Center’s crucial resources. It was great to spend time with the veterans in attendance and explain how my office can help them access the benefits they deserve.

I am committed to ensuring our veterans have the health care and other benefits they earned through their service and I am pleased to provide an update about bipartisan legislation recently passed by the House that will help to achieve this end:

Patient Advocate Tracker Act

Brings transparency to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) complaints process by creating an electronic system that allows veterans to file and track the status of their reports.

Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act

Empowers the VA Inspector General to better access information that will allow for more complete, thorough reviews of programs, contracts and fraud.

Veterans Eligibility to Transfer Schools (VETS) Credit Act

Improves and clarifies the process of transferring G.I. Bill course credits so that student veterans whose schools close or programs terminate do not lose eligibility for full education assistance.

Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act

Ensures part-time student veterans have access to the VA Work Study Programs historically limited to full-time student veterans, allowing more veterans to complete their certifications or degrees while balancing other responsibilities.

If you or a veteran you know needs help navigating federal agencies or accessing important federal benefits, please send me an email: https://sarbanes.house.gov/contact or call 410-832-8890 during normal business hours. My staff and I are here to assist you.