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Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I rise in support of H.R. 1412, as amended, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expired Authorities Act of 2013.
VA would lose the authority to continue a number of critical programs that, without action, would expire next week. These programs assist our most vulnerable veterans reintegrating back into society and into their communities.
With this legislation, wrap-around services for homeless veterans and their families would be authorized to continue. Services such as counseling, job training, job referrals, financial assistance, case management, housing, and the special needs for the frail, elderly, and seriously mentally ill veterans will continue.
We listened to veterans when they told us that they were busy with jobs, school, and families and, as a result, found it difficult to get the health care they needed without childcare assistance. This measure extended for 1 year VA's authority to provide childcare assistance for certain veterans receiving intensive health care services.
This bill would extend the authority to provide a monthly assistance allowance to veterans with disabilities who are invited by the U.S. Olympic Committee to participate on the U.S. Paralympics team. More than 14,000 veterans with disabilities have benefited from these activities. The results for these veteran athletes have been astonishing both in terms of athletic accomplishment and personal accomplishment.
This bill extends eligibility for specially adapted housing for our most disabled veterans. It would allow them to live more independently in their daily lives.
Mr. Speaker, I believe we have a moral obligation to ensure that we do what needs to be done to help those who have worn the uniform receive the benefits and services they have earned. These extensions of critical programs we are considering today will help us do all we can.
I reserve the balance of my time.
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Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support H.R. 1412, as amended. I want to thank Chairman Miller for working in a very bipartisan way for veterans.
I yield back the balance of my time.
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