Titus bill will help veterans transition to civilian life

WASHINGTON — Legislation seeking to expand and streamline benefits for military veterans returning to civilian life was introduced Tuesday in Congress.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., bundles several measures friendly to veterans and family members:

■ It would establish a grant program to establish online clearinghouses to connect job-seekers and companies that are looking to hire veterans. The money would be offered in 75 cities with the largest veterans populations.

■ It would align and expand caregiver programs that are run by the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs by making their eligibility and disbursement policies consistent, as well as how their benefits are taxed.

■ It would offer spouses of soldiers killed in service full tuition and fees to instate colleges, expanding a benefit currently offered to their children.

“These common-sense measures will strengthen quality health care for veterans, increase success in the civilian workforce, and expand support for military families,” Titus said.

Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760. Follow him on Twitter @STetreaultDC.