U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Veterans' Affairs
11/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/18/2024 19:30
House Republicans Pass Flagship Veterans’ Package with Overwhelming Bipartisan Support
House Republicans Pass Flagship Veterans' Package with Overwhelming Bipartisan Support
Washington, November 18, 2024 | Kathleen McCarthy
Today, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost (R-Ill.), Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), and leading veterans service organizations (VSOs) released the following statements after the House passed Rep. Ciscomani's landmark veterans' package, H.R. 8371, The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, with overwhelming bipartisan support:
"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. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act will help to meet that mission head-on," said Chairman Bost. "I want to thank my friend from Arizona, Rep. Ciscomani, for his leadership on this bipartisan veterans' package which would grow job opportunities for veterans, improve the VA community care program to protect veterans' healthcare choice, cut through the red tape for disability benefits, get veterans out of homelessness, and so much more. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act would also expand elderly care options for aging veterans and improve mental health care access for veteran caregivers - our nation's Hidden Heroes - in honor of Senator Elizabeth Dole, this bills namesake," Chairman Bost continued. "Just two weeks ago, the American people voted and gave Congress a mandate to get the government working again and fix the problems that families talk about around their kitchen tables. House Republicans passed this bipartisan bill out of the House tonight to begin that work for veterans and their families."
"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. The Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare Benefits and Improvement Act includes significant reforms to the delivery of VA services and healthcare, and is the byproduct of years-long, good faith, bipartisan work. I thank Chairman Bost for his leadership in getting this bill across the finish line and for helping deliver on the promise we made to our veterans," said Speaker Mike Johnson.
"The men and women who have risked their lives to serve our country and protect our freedoms deserve quality healthcare, economic and educational opportunities, and a VA that puts them first. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act contains several pieces of legislation that aim to upgrade the care our veterans and their families receive and cut the bureaucracy from the VA's service," said Majority Leader Steve Scalise. "I want to thank Rep. Juan Ciscomani, Chairman Mike Bost, and the Veterans' Affairs Committee for putting together this vital and meaningful legislation to fight for what our veterans have earned and the care they deserve. House Republicans are following through on our commitment to better the care our veterans receive and hold the VA accountable to them, their families, and taxpayers."
"The least we can do for the brave men and women who have served our country is ensure they receive the quality health care and benefits they deserve. We're grateful for Chairman Bost and Congressman Ciscomani's leadership in delivering tangible results for veterans and their families," said Majority Whip Tom Emmer.
"As a proud member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I will continue to work to empower our veterans as they transition back to civilian life and ensure that they receive the benefits they need - and earned - from the VA," said Rep. Ciscomani. "The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act makes great strides to close gaps in economic opportunity and care by reforming and modernizing the VA, cutting unnecessary red-tape, expanding access to employment opportunities, addressing veteran homelessness, and improving the delivery of care and benefits, whether at the VA or at home. I worked with leaders on the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees on this legislation and I am proud to see it pass the House of Representatives on a bipartisan basis. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to consider this legislation before the end of the year."
H.R. 8371's namesake and recent Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Senator Elizabeth Dole, praised passage of the bipartisan bill:
"Today, our elected leaders proved that bipartisan cooperation is still possible, especially in the name of all who serve, their families, and their caregivers," said Senator Elizabeth Dole. "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. I am eager to see this package now quickly pass in the Senate and be sent to the President's desk for his signature."
Leading veterans service organizations (VSOs), and veterans' advocates released the following statements applauding passage of H.R. 8371:
"This is a major milestone for our nation's veterans, caregivers, survivors, and their families. The strong bipartisan passage in the House of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act is a fitting tribute to Senator Dole's legacy of advocacy and service," said Elizabeth Dole Foundation CEO, Steve Schwab. "We are profoundly grateful to the leadership in the House of Representatives and look forward to the swift passage of this legislation in the Senate. We must get this signed into law to bring meaningful change to those who have given so much for our nation."
"The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is grateful to see the passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act," said Pat Murray, Director of VFW's National Legislative Service. "Many provisions in this bill would improve care and benefits for veterans and survivors, and we believe some provisions would save lives. Certain components of this bill such as the expansions for caregivers are long overdue. The VFW thanks Chairman Bost and Representative Ciscomani for their leadership in passing this consequential bill that will greatly benefit veterans."
"Paralyzed Veterans of America is pleased by the House's bipartisan passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act," said Robert Thomas, National President of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). "This legislation ensures catastrophically disabled veterans have access to the critical home care supports needed to help us remain independent in our communities, with our families. It also ensures our caregivers receive the support and protections they need to ensure our well-being. It is now the Senate's turn to show the same commitment to our veterans with disabilities and their caregivers, and swiftly pass this important bill."
"On behalf of our 1.6 million dues paying members, I am extremely pleased that the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Act has passed in the House. This bill includes a number of critical provisions that will expand the quality of care that veterans receive, increase support for caregivers, improve the functioning of the VA, and much more. I applaud Congressman Ciscomani's leadership in introducing this important bill, and we echo Chairman Bost and Ranking Member Takano's belief that veterans deserve a VA that works with them. We are excited to see this package make it to the finish line in the House, and remain dedicated to serving veterans and their families in the future," said American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere.
"We are extremely grateful to Congress for passing the bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act," said Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). "This important legislation, named after my dear friend Senator Elizabeth Dole, provides lifesaving care and benefit enhancements for veterans, critical support for their caregivers, expands education benefits for survivors, and eliminates archaic and punitive language which could cause surviving spouses to lose their benefits."
"DAV strongly supports the swift passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act to strengthen benefits and health care for veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. This critical legislation addresses some of the most urgent needs of veterans and caregivers by improving veterans' mental health and long-term care services, the VA's caregiver program, veterans' homeless programs, expanding dental care, education assistance, burial benefits and more," said Joy Ilem, DAV National Legislative Director.
"NCHV thanks the leadership of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for coming together to provide long overdue legislative relief to veterans experiencing homelessness and the organizations that serve them," said Kathryn Monet, Chief Executive Officer of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. "The provisions within H.R. 8371, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act strengthen the crisis response system for veterans facing a housing crisis. We look forward to swift passage in the Senate so more communities across the country have the resources to make veteran homelessness rare, brief, and one-time only."
"The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act represents months of negotiations between Republicans and Democrats, with significant input from the veteran community, on how the Department of Veterans Affairs can better serve veterans," said Jose Ramos, Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Wounded Warrior Project. "This critical legislation supports veterans in so many different ways - from broadening access to long-term care services for disabled veterans to improving how VA reports on suicides so we can better help veterans in need, among many others."
"MOAA is honored to have joined forces with fellow veteran groups and leaders in both the House and Senate to champion the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act," said MOAA President and CEO, Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret). "As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, we must recognize the profound positive impact this bill will have on the health and well-being of our veterans, their caregivers, and survivors. We thank Chairman Mike Bost and Ranking Member Mark Takano for leading this bill through the House and look for Senate leaders to act quickly and do the same. The need to pass this critical bipartisan legislation has never been greater- and now is the time to act."
H.R. 8371, The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act is supported by over 50 organizations, including: The American Legion (TAL), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Student Veterans of America (SVA), Reserve Organization of America (ROA), The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), Mission Roll Call (MRC), Black Veterans Empowerment Council (BVEC), National Association of State Approving Agencies (NASAA), National Association of Veteran Program Administrators (NAVPA), National PACE Association, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), Hospice Action Network (HAN), and the National Association of State Veterans Homes (NASVH). Homelessness Prevention Groups: National Coalition of Homeless Veterans (NCHV), U.S. VETS, New England Center and Home for Veterans, Nation's Finest. VET-TEC Education Training Providers: TLG Learning, Divergence Academy, Skill Distillery, Intellectual Point, Prime Digital Academy, VET TEC Working Group, Galvanize, Inc., Global IT. Elderly Care Advocacy Organizations: Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Impact Movement, Argentum, LeadingAge, National Center for Assisted Living, National Rural Health Association, American Seniors Housing Association. Additional Organizations: Lyft, I AM ALS, Northwest Lineman College, Quanta Services, Team Services Group, Coalition for Student Opportunity and Success, National Association of Counties (NACO), National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Endeavors, AARP, and AFGE.
For a section-by-section summary of H.R. 8371, click here.
"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. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act will help to meet that mission head-on," said Chairman Bost. "I want to thank my friend from Arizona, Rep. Ciscomani, for his leadership on this bipartisan veterans' package which would grow job opportunities for veterans, improve the VA community care program to protect veterans' healthcare choice, cut through the red tape for disability benefits, get veterans out of homelessness, and so much more. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act would also expand elderly care options for aging veterans and improve mental health care access for veteran caregivers - our nation's Hidden Heroes - in honor of Senator Elizabeth Dole, this bills namesake," Chairman Bost continued. "Just two weeks ago, the American people voted and gave Congress a mandate to get the government working again and fix the problems that families talk about around their kitchen tables. House Republicans passed this bipartisan bill out of the House tonight to begin that work for veterans and their families."
"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. The Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare Benefits and Improvement Act includes significant reforms to the delivery of VA services and healthcare, and is the byproduct of years-long, good faith, bipartisan work. I thank Chairman Bost for his leadership in getting this bill across the finish line and for helping deliver on the promise we made to our veterans," said Speaker Mike Johnson.
"The men and women who have risked their lives to serve our country and protect our freedoms deserve quality healthcare, economic and educational opportunities, and a VA that puts them first. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act contains several pieces of legislation that aim to upgrade the care our veterans and their families receive and cut the bureaucracy from the VA's service," said Majority Leader Steve Scalise. "I want to thank Rep. Juan Ciscomani, Chairman Mike Bost, and the Veterans' Affairs Committee for putting together this vital and meaningful legislation to fight for what our veterans have earned and the care they deserve. House Republicans are following through on our commitment to better the care our veterans receive and hold the VA accountable to them, their families, and taxpayers."
"The least we can do for the brave men and women who have served our country is ensure they receive the quality health care and benefits they deserve. We're grateful for Chairman Bost and Congressman Ciscomani's leadership in delivering tangible results for veterans and their families," said Majority Whip Tom Emmer.
"As a proud member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, I will continue to work to empower our veterans as they transition back to civilian life and ensure that they receive the benefits they need - and earned - from the VA," said Rep. Ciscomani. "The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act makes great strides to close gaps in economic opportunity and care by reforming and modernizing the VA, cutting unnecessary red-tape, expanding access to employment opportunities, addressing veteran homelessness, and improving the delivery of care and benefits, whether at the VA or at home. I worked with leaders on the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees on this legislation and I am proud to see it pass the House of Representatives on a bipartisan basis. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to consider this legislation before the end of the year."
H.R. 8371's namesake and recent Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Senator Elizabeth Dole, praised passage of the bipartisan bill:
"Today, our elected leaders proved that bipartisan cooperation is still possible, especially in the name of all who serve, their families, and their caregivers," said Senator Elizabeth Dole. "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. I am eager to see this package now quickly pass in the Senate and be sent to the President's desk for his signature."
Leading veterans service organizations (VSOs), and veterans' advocates released the following statements applauding passage of H.R. 8371:
"This is a major milestone for our nation's veterans, caregivers, survivors, and their families. The strong bipartisan passage in the House of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act is a fitting tribute to Senator Dole's legacy of advocacy and service," said Elizabeth Dole Foundation CEO, Steve Schwab. "We are profoundly grateful to the leadership in the House of Representatives and look forward to the swift passage of this legislation in the Senate. We must get this signed into law to bring meaningful change to those who have given so much for our nation."
"The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is grateful to see the passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act," said Pat Murray, Director of VFW's National Legislative Service. "Many provisions in this bill would improve care and benefits for veterans and survivors, and we believe some provisions would save lives. Certain components of this bill such as the expansions for caregivers are long overdue. The VFW thanks Chairman Bost and Representative Ciscomani for their leadership in passing this consequential bill that will greatly benefit veterans."
"Paralyzed Veterans of America is pleased by the House's bipartisan passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act," said Robert Thomas, National President of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). "This legislation ensures catastrophically disabled veterans have access to the critical home care supports needed to help us remain independent in our communities, with our families. It also ensures our caregivers receive the support and protections they need to ensure our well-being. It is now the Senate's turn to show the same commitment to our veterans with disabilities and their caregivers, and swiftly pass this important bill."
"On behalf of our 1.6 million dues paying members, I am extremely pleased that the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Act has passed in the House. This bill includes a number of critical provisions that will expand the quality of care that veterans receive, increase support for caregivers, improve the functioning of the VA, and much more. I applaud Congressman Ciscomani's leadership in introducing this important bill, and we echo Chairman Bost and Ranking Member Takano's belief that veterans deserve a VA that works with them. We are excited to see this package make it to the finish line in the House, and remain dedicated to serving veterans and their families in the future," said American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere.
"We are extremely grateful to Congress for passing the bipartisan Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act," said Bonnie Carroll, President and Founder of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). "This important legislation, named after my dear friend Senator Elizabeth Dole, provides lifesaving care and benefit enhancements for veterans, critical support for their caregivers, expands education benefits for survivors, and eliminates archaic and punitive language which could cause surviving spouses to lose their benefits."
"DAV strongly supports the swift passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act to strengthen benefits and health care for veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors. This critical legislation addresses some of the most urgent needs of veterans and caregivers by improving veterans' mental health and long-term care services, the VA's caregiver program, veterans' homeless programs, expanding dental care, education assistance, burial benefits and more," said Joy Ilem, DAV National Legislative Director.
"NCHV thanks the leadership of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee for coming together to provide long overdue legislative relief to veterans experiencing homelessness and the organizations that serve them," said Kathryn Monet, Chief Executive Officer of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. "The provisions within H.R. 8371, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act strengthen the crisis response system for veterans facing a housing crisis. We look forward to swift passage in the Senate so more communities across the country have the resources to make veteran homelessness rare, brief, and one-time only."
"The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act represents months of negotiations between Republicans and Democrats, with significant input from the veteran community, on how the Department of Veterans Affairs can better serve veterans," said Jose Ramos, Vice President of Government and Community Relations for Wounded Warrior Project. "This critical legislation supports veterans in so many different ways - from broadening access to long-term care services for disabled veterans to improving how VA reports on suicides so we can better help veterans in need, among many others."
"MOAA is honored to have joined forces with fellow veteran groups and leaders in both the House and Senate to champion the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act," said MOAA President and CEO, Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret). "As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, we must recognize the profound positive impact this bill will have on the health and well-being of our veterans, their caregivers, and survivors. We thank Chairman Mike Bost and Ranking Member Mark Takano for leading this bill through the House and look for Senate leaders to act quickly and do the same. The need to pass this critical bipartisan legislation has never been greater- and now is the time to act."
H.R. 8371, The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act is supported by over 50 organizations, including: The American Legion (TAL), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Student Veterans of America (SVA), Reserve Organization of America (ROA), The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), Mission Roll Call (MRC), Black Veterans Empowerment Council (BVEC), National Association of State Approving Agencies (NASAA), National Association of Veteran Program Administrators (NAVPA), National PACE Association, National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), Hospice Action Network (HAN), and the National Association of State Veterans Homes (NASVH). Homelessness Prevention Groups: National Coalition of Homeless Veterans (NCHV), U.S. VETS, New England Center and Home for Veterans, Nation's Finest. VET-TEC Education Training Providers: TLG Learning, Divergence Academy, Skill Distillery, Intellectual Point, Prime Digital Academy, VET TEC Working Group, Galvanize, Inc., Global IT. Elderly Care Advocacy Organizations: Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Impact Movement, Argentum, LeadingAge, National Center for Assisted Living, National Rural Health Association, American Seniors Housing Association. Additional Organizations: Lyft, I AM ALS, Northwest Lineman College, Quanta Services, Team Services Group, Coalition for Student Opportunity and Success, National Association of Counties (NACO), National Association of County Veterans Service Officers (NACVSO), Endeavors, AARP, and AFGE.
For a section-by-section summary of H.R. 8371, click here.
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