Barr Supports Bipartisan, Landmark Veterans' Legislation

Washington, DC - On Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8371, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act, marking a significant step forward in reforming the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This legislation prioritizes the needs of veterans, their families, and survivors by cutting through bureaucratic red tape to deliver the care and benefits they deserve. Specifically, this package includes a number of bipartisan proposals that enhance economic opportunities for veterans, provide greater flexibility in choosing where to retire and receive healthcare, modernize the disability benefits claims process, and ensure that the VA is held accountable to both the taxpayers and veterans they serve. By advancing this legislation, Congress reaffirms its dedication to providing veterans with the support they need to thrive in civilian life.

"Through my work in the Sixth District Veterans Coalition, I have heard firsthand from veterans regarding barriers to care and support after their service to our nation," said Congressman Andy Barr. "This legislation breaks down those barriers, ensuring that every veteran receives the quality and timely care they rightfully deserve. I am honored to co-sponsor this vital bill, which places the needs of our veterans above bureaucracy."

The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act received support from numerous veteran service organizations (VSOs) 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.

A section-by-section summary of this legislation can be found here.

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