Gottheimer Highlights Cutting Through the Red Tape for New Jersey Veterans in Fair Lawn

FAIR LAWN, N.J. — Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) highlighted how his office can help cut through the red tape for New Jersey veterans. Rep. Gottheimer joined a roundtable discussion with former Marine Corps Corporal Lance Pilant, Fair Lawn Director of Veterans Affairs Nick Magarelli, Fair Lawn Deputy Mayor Kurt Peluso, Fair Lawn Council Member Josh Reinitz, and Gottheimer’s Director of Veterans Affairs Mike Devilliers.

At the Fair Lawn Borough Hall, the group discussed how Gottheimer helped Pilant secure a home loan through the VA Home Loan Guarantee Program. Corporal Pilant had been trying to purchase a home in Fair Lawn when Pilant was denied a certificate of eligibility by the VA, preventing him from closing on the purchase, despite his time spent on active duty during Desert Storm. Pilant contacted Congressman Gottheimer, whose office quickly cut through the bureaucracy to get to a resolution with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and secure Pilant’s home loan guarantee.

Video can be found HERE.

Gottheimer has championed North Jersey veterans in Congress, consistently voting to increase funding for veterans programs. In August, the President signed into law Gottheimer’s amendment to boost hiring of young veterans and improve care at the VA. Gottheimer also passed an amendment to extend the authorization for the Suicide Prevention and Resilience Program for National Guard members, their families, and veterans for 2018.

Corporal Pilant’s case illustrates just one way Rep. Gottheimer’s office can help local veterans. North Jersey veterans deserve the best healthcare and any assistance they need after valiantly servicing their country. The last thing these veterans should have to face is bureaucratic roadblocks. Any veteran in need of help is encouraged to contact Gottheimer’s office at 201-389-1100 or by visiting Gottheimer.House.Gov/Contact. Gottheimer’s office is eager to help veterans in the Fifth District however possible with claims, backpay, medals, VA benefits, or any other matter.