WASHINGTON, June 3 -- Sen. Tammy Baldwin issued the following press release:
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin joined her colleagues in introducing legislation to protect veterans and their earned benefits from the scamming practices of claims sharks and other predatory actors.
The Stopping Abuse, Fraud, and Exploitation by Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (SAFEGUARD) Veterans Act would clarify that only accredited individuals can assist veterans with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefit claims. And it would reinstate criminal penalties for unaccredited agents who charge veterans extortionate fees for assistance with VA disability claims-a service provided for free by VA and accredited nonprofits. While federal law pr...