Landmark omnibus legislation that would fund various veteran care services passed the House of Representatives on Monday with overwhelming bipartisan support.
The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act passed by a vote of 389-9.
“Today, our elected leaders proved that bipartisan cooperation is still possible, especially in the name of all who serve, their families, and their caregivers,” Dole said. “I know the determination that reaching consensus often requires, so I applaud the Members of Congress and Congressional staff who never gave up on this bill, and the coalition of veterans’ organizations that never wavered in their commitment to ensure that these life-changing and life-saving promises be delivered.”
The legislation includes over 90 sections addressing such issues as long-term care, mental health, caregivers, education, job training and the modernization of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“For nearly two years we have been listening to the veteran community to find the gaps within VA’s services to build a VA that meets the needs of today’s community and puts veterans – not government bureaucracy – at the center of the system,” said House Veterans Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Mike Bost (R-Ill).
The legislation would also expand elderly care options for aging veterans and improve mental health care access for veteran caregivers.
“America owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the men and women who served this country, and it is Congress’ duty to ensure these heroes are taken care of after service,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA).
The legislation also authorizes VA to provide grants for transitional housing to all veterans and provides assistance to Native Americans who purchase homes on tribal land.
“This legislation is an investment in care for millions of veterans and current service members who need this help now, or in the future,” HVAC Ranking Member Mark Takano (D-CA) said ahead of the vote.
Numerous veteran services organizations also applauded the legislation’s passage.
“Many provisions in this bill would improve care and benefits for veterans and survivors, and we believe some provisions would save lives,” said Pat Murray, director of the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Legislative Service. “Certain components of this bill such as the expansions for caregivers are long overdue.”
The bill heads next to the Senate for approval.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.