Mack: House approves increased benefits for veterans
WASHINGTON Congressman Connie Mack (FL-14) praised passage of three bills in the House of Representatives today that will reimburse veterans for emergency care received at a non-VA facility, authorize additional funding for job training for homeless veterans, and provide a cost-of-living increase for disabled veterans.
“The men and women who have courageously served our country deserve the best America has to offer, both on and off the battlefield,” Mack said in a prepared statement. “We owe it to these selfless servicemen and women to ensure they receive the care and benefits they have earned and deserve. No veteran should have to question whether or not to receive emergency care at a non-VA hospital because he or she can’t afford it. I hope the Senate will act on these bills without delay, so we can continue to improve health care and benefits for the tens of thousands of veterans living right here in Southwest Florida.”
The House of Representatives passed the following legislation Monday in support of America’s veterans and their families:
– H.R. 1171, the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program Reauthorization Act: Authorizes $300 million over a five-year period for job training, counseling and placement services for homeless veterans. The program has helped more than 9,000 homeless veterans find jobs.
– H.R. 1377: Allows veterans to be reimbursed for the cost of emergency care received at a non-VA facility. The bill requires the VA to pay for a non-service-connected condition if a third-party insurer does not cover the full cost.
– H.R. 1513, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act: Authorizes a cost-of-living increase for veterans receiving disability benefits, as well as dependency and indemnity compensation for their families.
The bills now await action in the Senate.
Source: Office of Congressman Connie Mack