Takano, Neal Applaud Decision to Automatically Issue COVID-19 Stimulus Checks to Vulnerable Veterans
RIVERSIDE, CA. – Today, following calls from Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and Richard Neal (D-Mass.), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, VA, the Treasury Department, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced plans to automatically identify and distribute COVID-19 stimulus checks to our most vulnerable veterans. Today’s decision ensures these individuals-- including homeless veterans and those relying primarily on VA benefits, who typically are not required to file a tax return, will not be left behind by bureaucratic red tape.
“I am so pleased to hear that VA, the Treasury Department, and IRS were able to work together to ensure our most vulnerable veterans can get this immediate relief,” said Chairman Takano. “Thanks to today’s decision, veterans and their families who didn’t file tax returns in the past two years will receive their stimulus checks -- without any additional steps or burdensome paperwork. This decision will help rapidly deliver aid to the pocketbooks of veterans and their families-- the result of a hard fought effort to prioritize relief for those who need it the most.”
“The removal of this hurdle is terrific news for our nation’s veterans,” said Chairman Neal. “These folks selflessly served our country and it’s only right that they receive their COVID-19 economic impact payments automatically, just like other groups of Americans. I’m very glad our Committees’ request led to this important change.”
Background:
Earlier this month, Chairman Takano joined Ways and Means Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA), along with Ways and Means Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL), in signing a letter to administration officials pressing for automatic payments of this stimulus check-- without requiring a tax return. Following the passage of the CARES Act, and in response to the joint effort by Chairman Takano and Neal, the Treasury Department and IRS complied and announced that Social Security beneficiaries and citizens who file taxes will automatically receive stimulus checks. Today’s decision rectified the issue and ensures these veterans will automatically receive their checks as well.
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