April 13th, 2016 by WCBC Radio
On Tuesday, the House passed The Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act (H.R. 4676), bipartisan legislation that establishes federal penalties for anyone convicted of knowingly engaged in a scheme to defraud an individual of veterans’ benefits. The bill is designed to crack down on fraudulent enterprises that aim to rip off veterans by imposing a fine, imprisonment or both on these activities. Under current law these activities are illegal, but there are no penalties associated with the violation.
Congressman John K. Delaney (MD-6) voted for the bill on the House floor and applauds its passage.
“Anyone who defrauds a veteran deserves to be punished and this law makes that deplorable act a punishable offense, which is absolutely something that needed to be done” said Congressman Delaney. “Stealing benefits from veterans and their families is an affront to our nation’s values, a truly despicable act that we should do everything to prevent. The Preventing Crimes Against Veterans Act is a good first step, but we also must remain vigilant that rip-off schemes are identified and stopped before they do any damage; that requires listening to veterans and expediting the benefits process at the VA to that desperate people don’t become susceptible to frauds.”
A strong advocate for veterans, Delaney has led the effort in the House of Representatives to increase federal support for Fisher House, a non-profit that provides free lodging for families near VA hospitals.
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