Greetings!

We hope you are enjoying the holidays with friends and family! As we head into the New Year, we are grateful for all our work together over the last year. It is an honor to have the chance to serve you, listen to your needs, and partner with our local veteran community to get you the benefits and support you deserve. 

We look forward to the upcoming year and all we will get done in the 118th Congress. As always, we hope you find the following updates and resources helpful!

Congressman Kim Secures Major Funding, including Support for Servicemembers and Veterans 

Last week, Congressman Kim voted to pass a package of funding bills, which included provisions he championed and priorities for New Jersey’s veterans. Those investments include:

• $13.9 billion for Mental Healthcare, including $498 million for suicide prevention outreach.
  • Congressman Kim led a bipartisan letter signed by 113 Members of Congress to secure this investment.
• $5 billion in new, mandatory funds for the implementation of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our (PACT) Act that was signed into law earlier this year.
  • The PACT Act also creates a presumption of service connection for 23 respiratory illnesses and cancers related to toxic exposure. By making this change, veterans exposed to toxic substances – including veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan who served near burn pits and were exposed to other airborne hazards – will no longer be subject to a cumbersome disability benefit claims process that places the burden of proof on veterans themselves.
• $2.7 billion for Homeless Assistance Programs that will increase the VA’s abilities to reach homeless veterans across the country.
• $183.3 million for Substance Use Disorder programs that support over 540,000 veterans who had a substance use disorder diagnosis in 2021.
• $7 million to Ocean County, NJ to construct an overpass on County Route 539 that will unlock huge potential for Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst and help secure this base’s security for decades to come 
• $177.5 million for the KC-46A Pegasus program, including at JBMDL, along with a provision to allow the NJ Guard and Air Force at JBMDL to fully transition their KC-135 mission to the new, higher-tech KC-46 aircraft.

Congressman Kim Votes to Pass Bipartisan National Security and Defense Authorization Act, Delivering Jobs and Support for New Jersey

At the beginning of the month, Congressman Kim voted to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023. The Congressman worked hard to ensure we are investing in the people who keep us safe while also securing historic investments in technology and innovation that will help keep jobs in New Jersey. These investments will allow us to prepare for the challenges ahead and honor the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make through a much deserved pay raise.

A few highlights of how the NDAA works for New Jersey:

• A 4.6% pay raise for all military servicemembers
• Investing in childcare for military families
• Providing access to affordable housing
• Increasing servicemembers’ basic needs allowance
• Protecting defense manufacturing jobs at the Lockheed Martin Moorestown facility
• Funding for submarine programs that support local manufacturers at DC Fabricators in Florence, Champion Fasteners in Lumberton, Garvey Precision Machine in Willingboro, and Sea Box in Cinnaminson among others. 

Learn more about how this legislation delivers for New Jersey.

Congressman Kim Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Protect VA Caregiver Benefits

Last week, Congressman Kim introduced the VA Caregiver Continuity Act to protect our nation's vulnerable veterans from losing access to the benefits they have earned. Every day veterans and their caregivers rely on this program.

The legislation would protect veterans and caregivers in the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (the Caregiver Program) from being discharged or having their support reduced because they do not meet the Veterans Administration (VA)’s new eligibility criteria.

Read more about how the legislation supports our local veterans.

Congressman Kim Joins Wreaths Across America to Honor Fallen Servicemembers

On December 17th, Congressman Kim was honored to join Wreaths Across America to help honor our fallen servicemembers and the sacrifice they and their families gave for their country. The annual tradition is a touching way to show our respect and appreciation for their bravery and service. 

At JBMDL Roundtable, Congressman Kim Talks Putting Servicemembers and NJ Workers First

Last Monday, Congressman Kim joined a roundtable hosted by United Communities with labor and Base leaders at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The group discussed plans to increase federal contracting opportunities on military bases and putting New Jersey workers first for construction jobs on our local bases. Congressman Kim’s Put Our Neighbors to Work Act would open up more of these federal contracting opportunities for our local workers and small businesses.

After the roundtable, Congressman Kim spoke with United Communities Military Housing about housing for servicemembers and their families. The Congressman helped pass the NDAA this month to support servicemembers’ basic needs with adjusted basic allowances for housing and military dependents.

Congressman Kim Celebrates Senate Introduction of his Healthcare for Our Troops Act

A couple of weeks ago, Congressman Kim thanked Senators Tammy Baldwin and Susan Collins for introducing his bipartisan Healthcare for Our Troops Act in the Senate. The Congressman introduced the legislation last year to make no-fee healthcare available to the over 800,000 Americans serving our nation in the Reserve and National Guard.

The Congressman is committed to ensuring all our servicemembers have quality, reliable, and affordable healthcare. Read more about the Congressman’s legislation here.

Congressman Kim Co-Leads Efforts to Expand GI Education Access

Congressman Kim helped introduce the G.I. Bill Transferability Improvement Act of 2022 to expand education benefits for our servicemembers. The legislation would build-off the G.I. Bill and ensure our dedicated servicemembers, who have already given 12 years of honorable service, can access the G.I. benefits they have earned.

REMINDER: Learn More on How the PACT Act Could Help YOU

During the VA’s PACT Act Week of Action this month, Congressman Kim emphasized how important it is for veterans to check if they are eligible for its new benefits. The law expands VA healthcare and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances, delivering veterans and their loved ones the care and benefits they deserve. You can visit the PACT Act VA Benefits webpage to see how this law affects your benefits and care, file a claim for PACT Act-related disability compensation, or apply for VA healthcare. 

Check out this fact sheet to get information on changes to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and additional benefits.

You can also call 800-698-2411 with any questions.

VA Health Centers New Toxic Exposure Screenings

Thanks to the recently enacted PACT Act, all veterans enrolled in VA healthcare are eligible for a new toxic exposure screening. The 10-minute screening will help decipher if veterans have experienced any toxic exposures while serving.

Toxic exposure screenings at VA health centers are a first step to ensure any exposed veteran is heard and can access the care they need.

Do you have a copy of your DD-214?

If you do not have a copy of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty), you should request a copy from the National Archives and Records Administration since it can take up to 6-12 months to receive. DD-214s are necessary to apply for many of the benefits you are eligible for as a veteran. If you don’t have your DD-214, medical treatment can be delayed for a long time. If you have questions about this, you can contact our office here.

DMAVA Newsletter

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs launched a new bi-weekly newsletter on September 14th. The DMAVA newsletter provides information to Servicemembers, Veterans, Employees, Families, Caregivers, Community Partners and those inspired to support our collective mission. You can sign-up for DMAVA’s mailing lists on their website.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JBMDL) Update

On December 1st, the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron officially began employing the KC-46A Pegasus for combat commander taskings at the Base. 

On December 2nd, the U.S. Army 351 Psychological Operations Company conducted Urban Operations training and the U.S. Army 1-114th Infantry Regiment conducted Light Sniper Training.

On December 6th, JBMDL announced the 305th Air Mobility Wing Leadership coined the 305th Innovation Lab for its numerous contributions to the Joint Base and Air Mobility Command.

This month, aircraft maintenance and flight operations personnel at JBMDL hosted safety training at the 305th Air Mobility Wing’s 2022 Flight Safety Symposium.

Upcoming Local Events

The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is hosting various events throughout January,  including an Outreach and Medal Ceremony at the Quaker Bridge Mall in Mercer County from 10 AM to 3 PM. They will have a VSO present to assist veterans.

Do You Know Someone Else Who Would Find These Updates Helpful?

If so, please encourage them to sign up here. Please don’t hesitate to be in touch if we can be of assistance to you.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you every day!

The Office of Congressman Andy Kim

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