Bipartisan legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate that would make temporary lodging facilities at Department of Veterans Affairs Fisher Houses accessible to active-duty, reserve and other members of the American military, their families who are traveling significant distances to receive care when space is available.
The Fisher House Availability Act was introduced by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs.
The legislation would expand eligibility for temporary lodging at Fisher Houses constructed and donated to VA by the Fisher House Foundation, the senators said in a joint statement.
“We have a commitment to support and care for our veterans, servicemembers and their families, especially when they are in a time of need,” said Moran. “Military service is a family service, and this expansion makes certain military and veteran families can stay close to their loved ones while they are receiving medical care.”
Moran added that he is grateful to the Fisher House Foundation for its commitment to provide comfort and lodging to those who have served and sacrificed for the nation, and he looks forward to the bill’s passage.
"The Fisher House Foundation does great work serving veterans and their loved ones, and their commitment to helping our nation’s past and present service members is truly commendable," said Blumenthal.
The Fisher House Foundation recently dedicated its 100th home and has provided more than 12.5 million nights of lodging for veterans, service members and their families who are traveling significant distances to receive health care.
The full text of the legislation can be found here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.