Bilirakis, Rooney Advance Bill to Protect Veterans from Scams

U.S. Reps. Gus Bilirakis, R-Palm Harbor, and Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, were part of a bipartisan effort with Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., and Ron Barber, D-Ariz., behind a bill aimed to fight fiscal scams directed at retired veterans.

The Protecting Veterans Pensions Act, also known as the Rooney-Schrader bill, is focused on closing a loophole that has allowed scam artists to divert assets of elderly and disabled veterans, under the promise of helping them qualify for VA pension benefits, into trusts and annuities that only pay off for the firms.

As a veteran myself, I am outraged by the actions of those who would prey on Americas elderly and disabled veterans, Rooney stated in a release. These financial predators are scamming their victims out of the resources they need, while undermining the VA pension program for the veterans who rely on it. By creating a three-year look-back period, we can strengthen the pension program and put an end to this fraud against our nations heroes.

Bilirakis serves as vice chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee.

I have made it a priority to ensure that veterans receive the benefits they have earned through their service to our nation, and that includes protection against scams and people trying to take advantage of our nations heroes,Bilirakis stated in the release.