WASHINGTON (WAVY) — Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act was passed on Monday. Jen Kiggans, Bobby Scott, Rob Whittman, and Jennifer McClellan all voted for the bill which passed with a 389 to 9 vote.
The bill aims to address better in-home care for veterans, increase mental health resources for caregivers, and improve access to disability benefits.
The bill includes two bills put forth by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans who represents Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Franklin, and most of the Eastern Shore. The Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act and the VA Medical Center Security Report Act of 2023 address veterans benefits and the VA Medical Centers.
The COPE Act aims to provide grants to organizations focusing on the mental health of caregivers who care for veterans. The bill also requires the VA to provide outreach to registered caregivers.
The VA Medical Center Security Report Act of 2023 requires VA leadership to provide reports detailing VA police forces and security at VA Medical Centers. This bill comes after the number of violent crimes committed at VA medical facilities increased from 3,141 in the financial year 2018 to 6,505 in the financial year 2021.
“Improving the lives of our nation’s heroes is, and always will be, one of my top priorities in Congress,” Congresswoman Kiggans said in a statement. “Veterans deserve a VA that works for them and allows them to fully live the lives they risked so bravely for our freedom. I am proud that two of my own bills were included in this comprehensive legislative package, which will help increase mental health resources for veterans’ caregivers and improve security at VA medical centers. The passage of today’s bipartisan legislation is an exciting advancement for veteran care and services, and I encourage the Senate to swiftly so it can be signed into law as soon as possible.”
The bill now goes to the U.S. Senate to be voted on. If it passes in the Senate it will be sent to the President’s desk.
