Greetings!
We hope you had a great September! It’s been a busy month in Washington as Congressman Kim continues his leadership as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee and works to find a common sense solution to avoid a harmful government shutdown before the end of the month.
Along with votes and hearings, the Congressman enjoyed meetings with local stakeholders that drive and inform his work in Congress everyday. We are hard at work to make sure the needs of our local veterans are heard in Washington, from expanded care through the VA to supporting local VFWs. As always, if you need direct assistance from our office with a federal agency, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, don’t hesitate to contact us!
As always, we hope you find the following updates and resources helpful!
PACT ACT DEADLINE SATURDAY: New Deadline for Veterans Deployed to Combat Zones
Through the PACT Act, veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA healthcare, and left the military between September 11th, 2001 and October 1st, 2013 are eligible to enroll directly in VA healthcare. This special enrollment period ends THIS SATURDAY September 30th, 2023 at 11:59 PM.
The opportunity allows veterans who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones the opportunity to directly enroll, without first applying for disability compensation benefits. Visit VA.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 to learn more and sign up for VA health care before the deadline.
Remembering the Lives Lost on 9/11
This year marked the 22nd anniversary of the attacks on September 11th, 2001. We joined the nation in a day of remembrance for all the loved ones and friends lost that day. Our hearts are with them and those close to them whose lives were forever changed. We will always remember them, the selfless heroes who stopped at nothing to help others, and will continue to hold onto the memory of that day for generations to come and ensure that we never forget.
Congressman Kim Hosts 67th Town Hall!
Last Friday, Congressman Kim hosted a telephone town hall to share updates from his work in Congress on behalf of New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District. He spoke about his work to find a common sense solution to avoid a harmful government shutdown, the five bills he reintroduced Friday to promote and boost national service, and his work as the Ranking Member of House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee to finalize a reasonable and bipartisan Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act to support servicemembers.
He also answered questions from callers about issues concerning them. Don’t worry if you missed his call, you can listen to the whole thing here!
Congressman Kim Reintroduces Legislative Package to Supercharge National Service
On September 22nd, the 63rd anniversary of when President John F. Kennedy signed the Peace Corps Act into law, Congressman Kim reintroduced a package of five bills to supercharge national service and encourage more Americans to engage in service. September also marks the 30th anniversary of AmeriCorps’ founding. Individual acts of service are woven into our American history, uplifting and strengthening our communities everyday. Congressman Kim’s legislation would build off this great gift of service and open up more opportunities for Americans to serve locally, nationally, and abroad.
The package includes:
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A Chance to Serve Act
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Pipeline to Service Act
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Learn and Save America Reinvestment Act
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Service Starts at Home Act
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American Volunteering Corporation Act
This package of legislation builds on Congressman Kim's Restoring Trust in Public Servants Act and his larger effort to help rebuild Americans’ trust in government, strengthen ethics and transparency in Washington, and strengthen democracy. He is also a member of the bipartisan National Service Congressional Caucus, dedicated to raising awareness of national service and expanding service opportunities in America.
Congressman Kim Reintroduces Bill to Boost Local Construction Hiring
Last week, Congressman Kim with Congressmen John Garamendi and Donald Norcross reintroduced his bipartisan Put Our Neighbors to Work Act, which would create more opportunities for local hiring from military construction projects.
This legislation would help NJ workers, unions, and small businesses compete for federal military construction work and go a long way to make sure money from projects at JBMDL stays in our community. Learn more about the legislation here.
Honoring the Sacrifice of our Servicemembers and their Loved Ones
During September, we helped honor two very important days, POW/MIA Recognition Day and Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day. We must never forget the pain and loss of all the men and women in uniform missing in action and the families whose loved ones never came home.
We are grateful and indebted to them and their families for their brave service to our nation.
National Suicide Prevention Week
From September 10th to 16th, we helped recognize National Suicide Prevention Week this month. Congressman Kim prioritizes being there for local veterans, listening to their needs and ensuring they have a wide-range of resources to help them however they need. Mental health is a huge focus to make sure servicemembers transitioning into civilian life and all veterans don’t feel alone if they are struggling.
Remember, 24/7, confidential crisis support is available to veterans and their loved ones by dialing 988 and then pressing 1.
You can also chat online or text 838255 for help.
Happy Birthday Air Force!
On September 18th, we wished the United State Air Force a happy 76th birthday. We are grateful to all the past and present airmen and personnel for all they do for our nation.
UPCOMING: Improving Access to High-Speed Internet and Association Devices
On October 5th, Congressman Kim will host a community conversation about high-speed internet access in New Jersey. Join him and panelists from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to share your experience and internet needs, and hear more about how the bipartisan infrastructure law will deliver funds to expand access across the state.
You must register to attend!
