Following Hurricane Milton’s catastrophic landfall, Governor Ron DeSantis has requested an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration to support Florida's response and recovery efforts. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), U.S. Representative Vern Buchanan (R-FL), and members...
Following Hurricane Milton’s catastrophic landfall in Florida, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined the U.S. Coast Guard to survey impacted areas across the State. Photos are courtesy of Senator Rubio’s office. Senator Rubio joins the U.S. Coast Guard for a flyover...
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) office will host in-person Mobile Office Hours next week to assist constituents with federal casework issues in their respective local communities. These office hours offer constituents who do not live close to one of Senator Rubio’s...
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...
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rick Scott (R-FL), Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Todd Young (R-IN) reintroduced the Protect Our Disabled Heroes Act of 2021, a bill to protect our nation’s disabled veterans from unethical and unfair practices when applying for Veterans Administration (VA) disability claims. Specifically, it would protect disabled veterans from unethical fees charged by third party organizations in preparing and executing veterans’ disability claims. The bill would also impose criminal penalties for individuals who charge veterans unauthorized fees.
Since the creation of the VA, numerous independent Veteran Service Organizations have assisted veterans in filing disability claims free of charge. Currently, there are individuals that intentionally take advantage of veterans who may be unaware of the free services available to them.
“It’s appalling that bad actors take advantage of our brave veterans trying to secure disability benefits,” Rubio said. “We should do everything possible to protect our veterans against predatory practices. They served our nation honorably and they deserve better. It’s time to hold these bad actors accountable.”
“The men and women who have honorably served our nation have made incredible sacrifices,” R Scott said. “We owe them nothing less than our finest service and care in return. This bill protects our heroes and holds any bad actors accountable for trying to take advantage of disabled veterans seeking support. I’ll never stop fighting to make sure our veterans have every resource they need and I urge my colleagues to join in supporting this good bill.”
“Defrauding disabled veterans is absolutely reprehensible,” Blunt said. “This bill protects veterans from criminals who prey upon their efforts to get the benefits they have earned and holds perpetrators accountable. By protecting disabled veterans from scams and fraudulent fees, this bill helps us do our part to honor the sacrifices these heroes have made.”
“Charging unfair fees to take advantage of disabled veterans is truly appalling,” Young said. “As a Marine, I’m proud to reintroduce this bill, which would reinstate criminal penalties for these unethical, immoral acts and protect our disabled veterans. We must do all we can to protect those who have already sacrificed so much.”