US Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
WASHINGTON — Servicemembers who are about to leave the military may soon have someone to help them prepare to reenter civilian life, if a new federal bill gets enough support from members of congress.
If passed, the Transition Assistance Program would require the military to give outgoing servicemembers pre-separation counseling. Along with counseling, the program would include a presentation promoting the benefits available to veterans from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The bill is sponsored by Sens. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota (R) and Angus King (I) of Maine. The bill has bi-partisan support, with several Democrats co-sponsors.
“State and county veteran service officers, or VSOs, they’re often the first ones to help veterans access benefits that the veterans themselves have earned. I think it’s important to always remember that,” Cramer said. “They’ve earned these benefits. What our bill does is it makes sure that they’re part of the process from the start and not brought in after a veteran is already out the door.”
Comments