Our nation’s veterans, which include more than one million Floridians, have made huge sacrifices to defend our freedom.  That’s why I believe the government must do all it can to help them when they return home. I thought you’d be glad to hear that the House of Representatives passed several bills this week with my support to do just that:

• The Homeless Veterans with Children Reintegration Act will improve services for homeless veterans who are simultaneously caring for children. 

• The GI Bill National Emergency Extended Deadline Act extends GI Bill benefits for veterans who lost opportunities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The Improving VA Accountability to Prevent Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Act will help increase oversight and reduces sexual harassment within the Department of Defense. 

• The VA Transparency and Trust Act gives more insight to the public on how the VA is spending COVID relief funds to ensure the agency is accountable to taxpayers.

• The Native VetSuccess at Tribal Colleges and Universities Pilot Program Act connects Native American veterans and their families to VA services and vocational support by expanding the VetSuccess on Campus program to Tribal Colleges and Universities.

• The VA Camera Reporting (VCR) Act holds the VA accountable for their use of video cameras to ensure patient safety and law enforcement at VA medical centers. 

• The The VET OPP Act establishes the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration to administer employment, educational, housing assistance, transition, and other programs for veterans.

• The Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act will improve mental health services for veterans in rural locations. 

Passing these bills is good progress, but there is always more to be done.  If you or someone you know needs help, please do not hesitate to call our office at 202-225-3026.