This week, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) helped pass two bills that improve the access to health care for veterans and increase the penalty for those who defraud veterans in pursuit of their benefits.

According to the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Census Bureau, San Diego County has the third-largest veteran population in the nation. Every year, more than 20,000 sailors and marines stationed in San Diego leave military service and roughly a third choose to stay.

“Veterans have earned our respect and they’ve earned their benefits; America owes it to them to keep our promise to support them after their service,” said Rep. Peters. “Those attempting to defraud our veterans must be held accountable and stopped.”

The State Veterans Home Adult Health Care Improvement Act of 2017 allows veterans to receive adult-day medical care in a state veterans’ home, this would expand on current law that allows these same benefits in a state nursing home.

The Preventing Crimes against Veterans Act of 2017 would increase penalties for those who attempt to defraud a veteran in pursuit of obtaining their veterans’ benefits. There are many organizations, including Congressional offices, that will help veterans get the benefits they’re owed free of charge. Since 2013, Peters and his San Diego office have helped recover $1.4 million in veterans benefits owed to San Diego veterans.