WASHINGTON, D.C. –– U.S. Senator Angus King, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to protect veterans from benefits fraud and scams. The Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act would create criminal penalties for organizations that charge unauthorized fees to help veterans file disability claims with the VA – an action prohibited under current law, but one that does not carry any criminal charges. The legislation is cosponsored by a bipartisan group of more than a dozen Senators and companion legislation has also been introduced in the House of Representatives.

“It is reprehensible that scammers would take advantage of America’s veterans who have served, sacrificed, and fought for their hard-earned benefits,” said Senator King. “Unfortunately, there are currently no legal penalties for charging veterans unauthorized fees to file a disability claim. The GUARD VA Benefits Act would fix this oversight to deter bad actors and ensure that scammers are punished for exploiting those who served. This is a commonsense bill to protect our veterans and I hope it can continue to receive bipartisan consideration across Congress.”

“The Department of Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliary are very happy that Senator Angus King has signed on as a Cosponsor to the GUARD Act,” said Steven Sanpedro, VFW Department of Maine Legislative Chairman. “These predatory unaccredited companies have taken advantage of our Veterans and their families way too long. This law will create penalties on these businesses that over charge our Veterans. More importantly this will put them on notice that they are being watched and will no longer be allowed to take advantage of our Veterans and their families. Thank you Senator King for signing on to this very important bill!”

"The American Legion Department of Maine is proud to hear Senator King is supporting and cosponsoring the Governing Unaccredited Representatives Defrauding (GUARD) VA Benefits Act. Providing claims assistance should be about service to veterans and their families," said Al Mckay, Commander of the Maine American Legion. "The American Legion has been assisting the veterans’ community for more than a century, and we are committed to ensuring Maine veterans receive the care they have earned, not turning a profit."

As a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Senator King has worked to ensure America’s veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs, such as the PACT Act and the John Scott Hannon Act. Senator King hopes to help improve the Department’s capacity by investing in its workforce, facilities, and other modernization efforts. The GUARD VA Benefits Act also has the support of numerous veterans advocacy organizations including the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

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