Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today joined Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and seven other senators to introduce a bill to help improve the quality and consistency of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability claims appeals and help address the VA's oldest pending claims. Specifically, the bill would improve and expand pro bono legal services for veterans during their appeals process, and provide the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with additional authority to expedite consideration of unreasonably delayed claims.

U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) introduced a bill to launch a new National Laboratory Technology Maturation Program (NLTMP) at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The program would facilitate successful commercialization of laboratory-developed technologies and boost regional, technology-driven economic impacts.

U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Richard Burr (R-NC) introduced the Patient Access to Disposable Medical Technology Act of 2015, a bill that would fix current federal policy that keeps Medicare patients from receiving the most-cutting-edge medical technologies.

Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and Cory Gardner today urged the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee to apply accountability measures to the ongoing construction of the Denver Replacement Medical Center. The senators offered specific proposals to ensure that this and future VA construction projects are completed with an appropriate level of Congressional oversight.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today encouraged local coalitions, governments, private companies, nonprofit organizations, and farmers and ranchers to apply for funding for conservation projects made available today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that $235 million is available through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Bennet helped craft the RCPP program, which was created in the 2014 Farm Bill. Secretary Vilsack said the USDA will fund projects focused on improving soil health, preserving clean water, combating drought, and protecting wildlife habitat. Proposals are due July 8.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Northwest Mountain Region Assistant Manager Chris Schaffer toured the Durango-La Plata County Airport late last week. Bennet and Schaffer joined Durango Mayor Dean Brookie, Durango City Manager Ron LeBlanc, La Plata County Commissioner Julie Westendorff, Director of Aviation Kip Turner and Brad Tafoya from the La Plata Economic Development Association. During the tour of the existing terminal, local officials discussed options for building a new terminal with Schaffer.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today cosponsored the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2015. The bill, introduced by Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), expands the pool of Public Lands Corps participants to include veterans, encourages recruitment among minority and underserved communities, makes it easier for Corps members to finish a degree before starting a full-time conservation career, and creates new programs to coordinate Corps activities at multiple federal agencies. It will help federal agencies do more within their current budgets without using additional taxpayer dollars.

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO) and John Cornyn (R-TX) to commemorate Cinco de Mayo. The resolution recognizes the historical significance of the 1862 Battle of Puebla and highlights the courage of Mexican forces against the invading French army, as part of their struggle for independence and freedom.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet announced today that Enterprise Community Partners, along with Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) and Social Impact Solutions, has won a $250,000 grant to advance a pay-for-success initiative to reduce chronic homelessness in Denver. The competitive grant from Nonprofit Finance Fund is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Services Social Innovation Fund. Denver's Housing to Health Initiative will provide housing to 300 chronically homeless people with serious primary and behavioral health challenges. It is part of Mayor Michael B. Hancock's comprehensive plan to reduce chronic homelessness in the metro area.

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet today applauded the president's signature on a bill that includes the bipartisan Better Buildings Act he authored with Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH). The Better Buildings Act encourages tenants of commercial buildings to voluntarily implement cost-effective measures that will help reduce energy consumption and ultimately lower utility costs for businesses. Bennet attended the signing ceremony at the White House today.