September 26, 2017

Ranking Member Walz Applauds House For Passing Extension Of Important Veterans’ Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Today, House Committee on Veterans Affairs Ranking Member Tim Walz (D-MN) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017, a bill ensuring that vital programs we have in place to take care of veterans continue past the end of the fiscal year.

“Today, Democrats and Republicans demonstrated their commitment to our nation’s heroes by passing legislation that will ensure many of the programs we have in place to care for our veterans continue without interruption,” Rep. Walz said.

“Included in the bill are provisions that will extend programs related to support services for caregivers, child care for certain veterans receiving health care, and a pilot program on counseling in retreat settings for women veterans newly separated from service. The bill also has provisions to extend the authority related to rehabilitation and vocational benefits to members of the Armed Forces with severe injuries or illnesses, homeless veterans reintegration programs, homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children and providing housing assistance and counseling to homeless and at-risk veterans. The bill also includes several extensions for programs to help our disabled veterans, as well as the authority to enter into agreements with the National Academy of Science to review the research on links between diseases and dioxin exposure; both of these provisions are crucial in helping our aging Vietnam era veteran population.”

“Once again, this bill represents the good we can accomplish for veterans and their families when Members of Congress cast aside their political affiliations, reach across party lines, and work together through regular order to pass legislation that will improve the lives of veterans across the country. I thank Chairman Roe and his staff for working with the Minority on this important issue.”

More information on the bill is available here. 

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