The Senate recently passed a bipartisan bill that would help support the efforts of veteran groups.
The legislation, which the House also passed, has been sent to President Barack Obama to be signed into law.
The Formerly Owned Resources for Veterans to Express Thanks for Service Act was introduced by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.) in the Senate and Reps. Dan Benishek (R-Mich.) and Julia Brownley (D-Calif.) in the House. The FOR VETS Act would amend existing law so veteran groups can receive surplus property, such computers, trucks and appliances, donated by the General Services Administration, which oversees the distribution of surplus property to eligible organizations.
“We should always look for ways to demonstrate our gratitude for the sacrifices our veterans have made on behalf of our nation,” Collins said. “This legislation will allow veterans groups, which improve the lives of our nation’s heroes each and every day, to enjoy the same access to surplus government property that other groups do.”
Benishek, a surgeon who spent 20 years working in a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital, said the bill would remove unnecessary federal regulations that make it difficult for veteran organizations to get the most for their money.
The legislation has been endorsed by the American Legion.
“Our nation’s veterans deserve and have earned the ongoing efforts by our government to provide them with high-quality care and support, whether through healthcare, workforce training or education,” Leahy said. “Opening the distribution of surplus government property to veterans groups is just one more way we can pay our debt of thanks for their service.”