Bill would restore benefits to defrauded veterans and families
Credit: The Garrett County Republican
WASHINGTON — On Friday, U.S. Reps. David Trone, D-Md., and Tom Emmer, R-Minn., introduced legislation to ensure that veterans who fall victim to fraud receive proper reimbursement.
Current law states that if a veteran passes away before their fraudulent case is resolved, their family can’t seek reimbursement for the misused dollars. The Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act would allow families and beneficiaries of a deceased veteran to reclaim defrauded dollars.
“I want to do everything I can to help veterans and their families who have experienced fraud,” Trone said. “Falling victim to fraud is bad enough, but what’s even worse is when that money is never returned. These folks have sacrificed so much to serve their country honorably, the least we can do is ensure that their families are reimbursed for the benefits after they’ve passed on.”
“It is unacceptable that when a defrauded veteran perishes before they are able to recover what was taken, those funds remain unreturned to the veteran’s family or beneficiaries,” said Emmer. “Congress can and should ensure that in these unfortunate cases the funds are returned to a veteran’s loved ones. This legislation will solve that problem while honoring our veterans and their sacrifices.”
The Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act was endorsed by the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Wounded Warrior Project.
