The U.S. House of Representatives passed U.S. Senator Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act (S. 50) to direct the Environmental Protection Agency to formally enroll the Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary Program (PPBEP)...
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) released a statement on his nomination by President-elect Donald J. Trump to serve as the United States Secretary of State. “Leading the U.S. Department of State is a tremendous responsibility, and I am honored by the trust President...
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined The World Over with Raymond Arroyo to discuss President-elect Donald Trump’s historic victory, the Democrats’ response to the election, foreign policy challenges facing our nation, and more. See below for highlights and watch the...
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined America Reports to discuss President-elect Donald Trump’s historic victory, Democrats’ proclamation of “resistance,” and the failure of identity politics. See below for highlights and watch the full interview on YouTube and...
Senator Rubio's office is pleased to be issuing a limited number of tickets to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony, which will occur on January 20, 2025 at the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Floridians interested in receiving tickets should fill out...
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) joined Hannity to discuss President-elect Donald Trump’s historic victory. See below for highlights and watch the full interview on YouTube and Rumble. On the ongoing realignment among American voters: “The Republican Party now reflects...
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced a bill to strengthen the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Spina Bifida Program for children of veterans exposed to Agent Orange and toxic herbicides. The companion legislation was introduced in the U.S House of Representatives by Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN).
“Our veterans made a tremendous sacrifice when they chose to serve our country,” Rubio said. “This legislation would help the children of Florida veterans, who were exposed to Agent Orange, and born with spina bifida, by making it easier for them to access high quality resources and care.”
“Many veterans are unaware of the benefits available for their children with certain birth defects due to their exposure to Agent Orange,” Braun said. I am proud to introduce this legislation which will ensure that these beneficiaries get the care and benefits awarded to them by law.”
Background:
The OCC Spina Bifida Health Care Benefits Program Guide states, “[t]his program provides services and supplies for enrolled beneficiaries for all covered medical conditions, not simply those related to Spina Bifida.” This assistance includes instrumental activities of daily living (i.e., cleaning a house or apartment, showering, cooking, etc.).
The VA Inspector General reported serious problems with the administration of the Spina Bifida program in their 2021 report, including failure to deliver benefits appropriately and to conduct proper oversight, leading to waste of taxpayer dollars.
It is estimated that more than 1,500 Veterans children suffer from Spina Bifida in the U.S. and yet less than half of those are enrolled in the program.