Robert Flaherty, a member of the American Legion Post 225 from Forest Lake, was in Washington, D.C. recently lobbying for issues that affect American war veterans.Flaherty, a member of the National Veteranís Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission for the American Legion, was one of a delegation of 32 Minnesotans in Washington.
The delegation met with every Minnesota Representative and Senator, and urged an agenda of veterans programs that Congress will be dealing with in the future.
Included in the lobbying efforts were
ï Making veterans health care funding mandatoryóLike Social Security and Medicare, veterans health funding through the Veterans Administration should be mandatory and not subject to yearly cuts and debates.
ï The Flag Protection AmendmentóThe measure has been introduced in both the House and Senate. In an election year, the Legion will be monitoring support on this critical measure. The bill calls for an amendment that would allow protection of the U.S. flag from physical desecration.
ï Third party reimbursementóVeterans should be able to use their Medicare or other third party reimbursement to pay for VA health care.
The delegation spent four days in Washington and attended informational sessions on critical issues.
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