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House Adopts Waters Amendment Increasing Funding for Veterans’ Services

July 24, 2020

House Adopts Waters Amendment Increasing Funding for Veterans' Services

"My intent in increasing the amount of funds authorized for this account was to focus the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Health Administration on the challenges facing our veterans and their care through the COVID-19 crisis."

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, offered an amendment to the Military Construction Appropriations bill (H.R. 7608) that was adopted by the House of Representatives yesterday. Congresswoman Waters' amendment reallocates an additional $2,000,000 to support the administration of veterans' medical facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, and domiciliary facilities. Congresswoman Waters released the following statement in response to the passage of her amendment:

"My intent in increasing the amount of funds authorized for this account was to focus the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Health Administration on the challenges facing our veterans and their care through the COVID-19 crisis.

"It is Congress' responsibility to ensure veterans receive the services they have been promised for their unwavering commitment to this country. That is why I have, for decades, worked with organizations to provide housing and other supportive services to veterans. There are over 20 million veterans in the United States, and over 20,000 veterans in my 43rddistrict alone. Our veterans have been promised healthcare and a decent quality of life.

"Even before the onset of COVID-19, Congress has fallen short of its responsibility to care for veterans and provide the resources necessary to guarantee their safety. There are still approximately 40,000 homeless veterans in America–with just over 15,300 living on the street on any given night. With the additional funds secured in my amendment, veterans' healthcare, nursing homes, and domiciliary facilities will be able to secure necessary equipment and support to enhance and expand their critical role of caring for our nation's cherished servicemembers. Congress must do all that it can to ensure that our promise to care for those who have sacrificed for the country is kept."