VA Expiring Authorities Extension Act of 2013

Floor Speech

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Mrs. NEGRETE McLEOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1402 that extends VA housing programs for homeless veterans.

The California district which I represent is home to over 20,000 veterans. Like the Nation, homelessness among veterans is a serious problem in my district. It will take continued coordination between VA and local organizations to ensure that veterans are able to take advantage of housing assistance programs.

As a member of the House VA Subcommittee on Health, in August of this year I hosted a town hall with the VA and local organizations. Over 200 veterans attended and signed up for VA veterans benefits for the very first time. This is a great example of better coordination in helping our veterans.

Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again thank Chairman Miller for his collaborative effort in bringing both of these bills before the House today and his continued support to make sure that we do everything we can to pass legislation that will help our veterans. I also want to thank the staffs on both the majority and the minority side for working so well together to get these bills before the floor. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1402, as amended.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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