House approves Rooney bill establishing penalties for those who defraud veterans

The House of Representatives unanimously approved a bipartisan bill on Tuesday that was introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (R-FL) to protect veterans from financial predators.

The Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act, H.R. 4676, would establish criminal penalties for those who defraud veterans and their spouses of benefits by charging them exorbitant fees for help on benefit claims and appeals to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Under current law, only qualified agents and attorneys are allowed to charge veterans for helping with the VA’s claims and appeals processes. However, there are no criminal penalties on the books for those who break the law.

“These criminals have to pay the price for their despicable actions, which include deliberately targeting and stealing from the most vulnerable, and it is our job as legislators to give law enforcement the tools they need to punish them,” Rooney, an Army veteran and a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs, said. “I am hopeful this law will help start adequately protecting veterans and their families from these deceitful individuals and entities and bring those who prey on our communities to justice.”

Rooney’s bill would establish penalties for those who defraud veterans of their benefits. Those found guilty would be subject to a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.

“This bill will help prevent America’s heroes from being targeted by fraudulent financial schemes by giving law enforcement the tools they need to punish these low-life criminals,” Rooney said.