Washington, D.C. — On Friday, U.S. Representatives David Trone (MD-06) and Tom Emmer (MN-06) introduced legislation to ensure that veterans who fall victim to fraud receive proper reimbursement. Current law states that if a veteran passes away before their fraudulent case is resolved, their family can’t seek reimbursement for the misused dollars. The Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act would allow families and beneficiaries of a deceased veteran to reclaim defrauded dollars.

“It is unacceptable that when a defrauded veteran perishes before they are able to recover what was taken, those funds remain unreturned to the veteran’s family or beneficiaries,” said Rep. Emmer. “Congress can and should ensure that in these unfortunate cases the funds are returned to a veteran’s loved ones. This legislation will solve that problem while honoring our veterans and their sacrifices.”

“I want to do everything I can to help veterans and their families who have experienced fraud,” said Congressman Trone. “Falling victim to fraud is bad enough, but what’s even worse is when that money is never returned. These folks have sacrificed so much to serve their country honorably, the least we can do is ensure that their families are reimbursed for the benefits after they’ve passed on.” 

The Restoring Benefits to Defrauded Veterans Act was endorsed by The American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Wounded Warrior Project.

For bill text click here.

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