Bill Designed to Inform/Increase Recipients

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR), the Ranking Republican on the Veterans Economic Opportunity Subcommittee, has introduced important bipartisan legislation aimed at improving the Department of Veterans' Affairs outreach to veterans.

The Boozman bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD), chairwoman of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee.

H.R. 3681, the "Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of 2007," authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to purchase advertising in national media outlets to promote awareness of benefits that are available to veterans and their dependents.

“Getting the word out to our veterans about the benefits they may be entitled to is currently based on an out-dated communications model,” Boozman said. “Instead of relying on brochures and posters, VA should be using modern media channels of all types to keep our veterans informed as to what they are entitled to, and how they can begin receiving benefits. I've seen lots of recruiting ads for the military services but when was the last time you saw a VA commercial during the Super Bowl? VA needs to communicate better about the great programs they have for our veterans and reliance on free public service announcements and pamphlets just isn't getting the job done."

Understanding Veteran Benefits

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