Delivering for Our Nation’s Veterans

Delivering for veterans shouldn’t be a partisan issue. This week, the House put politics aside and came together to pass 9 bipartisan bills that take meaningful steps towards improving the lives of our nation’s heroes. I believe Washington has a duty to serve those who served with the same dedication they showed our country.

Unfortunately, veterans too often run into roadblocks when dealing with the VA, especially when they have a service-connected disability. That’s why I was proud that one of these bill’s was my very own bipartisan and bicameral ASSIST Act to ensure disabled veterans, with help from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), are empowered to make the vehicle modifications they need to travel safely. 

Specifically, the bill would give the VA greater flexibility to offer financial assistance for a wider range of medically necessary vehicle adaptations that will improve veterans’ quality of life. The ASSIST Act is a commonsense fix that removes bureaucratic red tape and ensures our disabled veterans can access the vehicle modifications they need. No veteran should be denied essential mobility assistance because of an outdated government list.

In case you missed it, here’s a look at the other bills that passed with my support:

✅ H.R. 217 - CHIP IN for Veterans Act: Extends the VA’s authority to accept donated buildings and facilities from private or non-federal entities, empowering communities and the private sector to help modernize VA infrastructure without putting the full bill on the taxpayers.

✅ H.R. 1147 - Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act: Creates a dedicated advisory committee to help the VA improve access to benefits, services, and facilities for veterans.

✅ H.R. 1286 - Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act: Directs the VA to work with experts to review and improve the forms used in benefit claims, making them clearer and more user-friendly.

✅H.R. 1578 - Veterans Claims Education Act: Requires the VA to notify veterans filing claims through unaccredited individuals about the risks involved and inform them of their right to work with accredited representatives or Veterans Service Organizations– VSOs.

✅ H.R. 1815 -  VA Home Loan Program Reform Act: Creates a temporary assistance program allowing the VA to cover up to 30% of a veteran’s unpaid mortgage balance to prevent foreclosure.

✅ H.R. 1823 - VA Budget Shortfall Accountability Act: Requires the Government Accountability Office to investigate the VA’s recent funding shortfalls and report back to Congress with findings and recommendations. 

✅ H.R. 1969 - No Wrong Door for Veterans Act: Extends funding for the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which supports local mental health organizations that service veterans.

✅ H.R. 2201 - Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act: Improves and requires annual training for VA staff handling claims related to military sexual trauma, ensuring they are equipped to respond with professionalism and compassion.

My hope is that these bills will help us take real steps to strengthen the VA, support mental health services, protect veterans from bad actors, and cut red tape to make it easier for them to access the care and benefits they earned and deserve.

I will keep fighting every day to make sure that happens.