Daines Introduces Major Bipartisan Veterans Benefits Package

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a bipartisan veterans benefits package to support Montana veterans including his provision to protect veterans and their families from pension poachers.

“I’m glad that my bipartisan bill to protect Montana veterans and their families from pension poachers was included in this major veterans legislation,” Daines said. “This legislative package is about getting our Montana veterans and their families the help and support they need. We must get this done for the men and women who served in defense of our country. I look forward to getting this bill across the finish line.” 

Patricia Pension

Watch a video of Patricia explaining what her experience was, HERE.

Daines introduced his bipartisan pension poaching bill after he was approached by Patricia Pardue, the widow of a Montana veteran, who saw nearly all of her pension benefits stripped by a scam artist. Daines has been leading the efforts in the U.S. Senate to ensure this practice is put to an end.

This major bipartisan veterans package also includes:

  • Expansion for education benefits for dependents of service members who died post 9/11
  • An increase in funeral benefits for veterans who die of non-service-connected disabilities.
  • A provision that allow for changes to headstones to add family members.
  • An increase to the Medal of Honor special pension

Background:

Last month, Daines took to the Senate floor to urge his Senate colleagues to support this bill and stand by our veterans and their families. 

Last August, Daines introduced his bipartisan pension poaching bill after he was approached by Patricia Pardue, the widow of a Montana veteran, who saw nearly all of her pension benefits stripped by a scam artist.  

Daines will continue working to advance his bill to protect Montana’s veterans. Daines is committed to ensuring cases like Patricia’s never happens again and he will continue fighting to raise awareness on this important issue impacting so many vulnerable veterans across the country and their family members. 

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