House Passes Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act

Press Release

House Passes Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act

Souder-Supported Bill Would Help Communities and Veterans

U.S. Rep. Mark Souder applauded the U.S. House of Representatives today for passing H.R. 2874, the Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007. The legislation passed the House unanimously by voice-vote.

"I'm very pleased that we passed this legislation to enhance health care for veterans," Souder said. "I strongly believe that we have a solemn obligation to provide for those who have worn the uniform, and among other things this legislation will help communities aid in that effort."

"In particular, I'm glad that the bill includes provisions relating to mental health services for veterans, as well as grants for community groups that provide transportation for veterans to VA medical facilities," Souder added.

The Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007 would:
# require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a grant program for non-profit groups that assist in therapeutic readjustment and rehabilitation of veterans of the War on Terror in Iraq and Afghanistan;
# authorize grants (up to $50,000) for rural areas and communities to provide transportation of veterans to VA medical facilities (the grants would be given to non-profits, rural veterans' organizations and programs that assist state organizations);
# require the VA to provide readjustment counseling and mental health services to veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan through programs that assist in reaching out to the veterans' peers;
# provide financial assistance and support services for very low-income veteran families that are transitioning to permanent services; and
# decrease the amount of time that must pass before a homeless veteran may receive dental care.

H.R. 2874 will now be sent to the Senate for further action.

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