Fitzpatrick’s bipartisan bill cracks down on VA fraudsters

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on Feb. 24 offered a bipartisan, bicameral bill to penalize anyone who defrauds United States military veterans of their earned benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

“Individuals who defraud our veterans must be held accountable and punished,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “It is critical that the men and women who served our country receive their hard-earned benefits from the VA, and I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to crack down on fraudsters who take advantage of our veterans.”

The Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act of 2023, H.R. 1179, which Rep. Fitzpatrick introduced with original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), would amend title 18 of the U.S. Code to provide an additional tool to prevent certain frauds against veterans, according to the congressional record summary. 

“It takes real heartlessness to prey upon veterans and their families,” said Rep. Scanlon. “I’m proud to join Rep. Fitzpatrick in introducing the Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act to ensure prosecutors have the tools they need to stop these scams and deliver justice for our veterans.”

H.R. 1179, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, is companion legislation to the same-named S. 296 introduced on Feb. 7 by U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).