Major Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida, bringing with it devastating storm surge, winds, and inland flooding. The Seminole Tribe of Florida should have access to the federal resources required for emergency response and recovery preparations on...
Major Hurricane Milton is forecasted to potentially hinder or obstruct the Port of Tampa Bay, which receives more than 40 percent of Florida’s petroleum products. It’s crucial for the federal government to expedite all requested measures to protect Florida’s economy...
Major Hurricane Milton is forecasted to impact Florida with devastating storm surge, winds, and inland flooding. After just being hit by Hurricane Helene, it’s crucial for the State of Florida to have the support of the federal government. U.S. Senators Marco Rubio...
This year marks the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks against Israel. 32 Americans died in those attacks, and four of the Americans taken hostage that day remain in captivity. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a video remembering the...
Following Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic damage throughout Florida’s gulf coast, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with the Florida Farm Bureau as well as local agricultural producers, farmers, and growers to discuss the storm’s impact. Photos are courtesy of...
Following Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic damage throughout Florida’s Gulf Coast, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) met with local officials and volunteers from the barrier islands to discuss the storm’s impact and current recovery efforts. Photos are courtesy of...
Washington, D.C.- U.S. Senator Marco Rubio today introduced The Protect Our Disabled Heroes Act of 2011, a bill to protect our nation’s disabled veterans from unethical and unfair practices in applying for Veterans Administration (VA) disability claims.
If enacted, Rubio’s legislation, which is a companion to Congressman Gus Bilirakis’ (FL-09) House proposal, would protect disabled veterans from unethical fees charged by third party organizations in preparing and executing veterans disability claims. It would also reinstate criminal penalties for individuals charging veterans unauthorized fees.
Since the creation of the VA, numerous independent Veteran Service Organizations have assisted veterans in filing disability claims free of charge. However, many veterans are unaware that such services should be provided at no cost and instead seek assistance through attorneys and organizations that charge a filing fee.
The bill’s original co-sponsors include Senators Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Roy Blunt (R-MO). In making today’s announcement, the following statements were issued:
Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL): “We should do everything possible to honor the men and women who have served our country, and one way is to protect them against predatory practices used against them while securing disability benefits. Our veterans deserve better, and we need to punish those who prey on the heroes who have returned home.”
Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL): “I can’t think of too many things as low as preying on our veterans. That’s why we need to toughen the penalties on anyone found to be involved in that kind of a scheme.”
Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO): “Our nation’s disabled veterans are American heroes who have made incredible sacrifices to protect our freedoms. We owe them a great debt of gratitude and they deserve the very best care our country can provide. That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor this bill, which will help protect disabled veterans from fraudulent scams and unfair fees.”
Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL): “This hole leaves the door open for fly-by-night companies and con artists to take advantage of veterans, and this crooked practice must be stopped. I commend Florida’s Senators for introducing this legislation, and encourage the Senate to act quickly to ensure that veterans can receive unhindered access to the services and benefits they have earned.”