REP. NEGUSE AMENDMENTS IMPROVING BENEFITS FOR VETERANS, SERVICEMEMBERS, AND THEIR FAMILIES INCLUDED IN FY23 NDAA

Press Release

Today, Congressman Joe Neguse announced that several of his amendments to improve benefits for veterans, service members, and their families passed the House of Representatives as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY 2023).

In May, Neguse held a roundtable discussion in Longmont, Colorado where he heard from several servicemembers about the obstacles they've faced while interacting with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs -- the included provisions work to address those concerns.

"It is far past time that we step up for those who have devoted their lives and careers to stepping up for us. After hearing from veterans and their families in my district and across Colorado, I know that so much of what burdens them is the result of bureaucratic red tape. We must do better, and the inclusion of these provisions in this year's NDAA is an important first step." said Congressman Neguse.

Specifically, the House version of the FY23 NDAA included measures from four Neguse-led bills:

The HUBS for Veterans Act (H.R. 6335) to support local "network hubs" which streamline access to essential resources for veterans, service members, and their families, helping to assist in the transition from military personnel to civilian life. Read more here.
The Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Processing Claims Improvement Act(H.R. 6165) to overhaul the VA's PTSD claims processing training in order to improve treatment and compensation for our veterans. Read more here.
The Hiring Expansion and Licensure Portability for Military Spouses (HELP for Military Spouses) Act to amend a military spouse hiring roundtable to include a discussion of the benefits of licensure reform and portability through compacts for military spouses.
The VA Mental Health Internships (Mentor) Act expands access to mental health care for servicemembers and their families by expanding the definition of a licensed civilian behavioral health care provider.
Neguse successfully secured 10 amendments in last year's House version of the FY22 NDAA legislative package, including measures that allow bereaved military families a travel allowance and create a greater diversity of military apprenticeships.

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