Ander Crenshaw Goes to Bat for Veterans ID Card Act

From his seat on the U.S House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Fla., showcased his support of U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanans, R-Fla., Veterans ID Card Act, a bill ensuring every honorably discharged veteran receives an ID card from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Buchanans bill would ensure all veterans receive ID cards from the VA instead of just those who served 20 years in the armed forces or are seeking medical treatment for service-related wounds. Buchanan said veterans are forced to carry DD-214 paperwork, which contains sensitive information including Social Security numbers, and an ID card would be more convenient and would do a better job of keeping their personal information secure. Buchanan says his bill is budget neutral since veterans who opt for the ID card would have a small fee which the VA secretary would examine every five years.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., the chairman of the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee, announced on Thursday that he was backing the measure.

Our veterans have put their lives on the line so that we may live in freedom and deserve timely, efficient, and effective access to the benefits they have earned, Crenshaw said on Friday. They shouldnt have to carry pages of information to prove their military service.

The Veterans ID Card Act offers proof of military service in one simple card, Crenshaw added, praising the bill as common sense" and called for immediate consideration and passage in the House.

There is no time to waste, Crenshaw said in conclusion.