Metro Lex News

On Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8371, known as the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act. This legislation aims to reform the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by prioritizing veterans' needs and cutting bureaucratic obstacles to provide necessary care and benefits.

The bill includes bipartisan proposals to enhance economic opportunities for veterans, offer flexibility in retirement and healthcare choices, modernize disability benefits claims processes, and ensure VA accountability to taxpayers and veterans.

Congressman Andy Barr commented on the legislation's impact: “Through my work in the Sixth District Veterans Coalition, I have heard firsthand from veterans regarding barriers to care and support after their service to our nation,” he said. “This legislation breaks down those barriers, ensuring that every veteran receives the quality and timely care they rightfully deserve. I am honored to co-sponsor this vital bill, which places the needs of our veterans above bureaucracy.”

The act has received backing from various veteran service organizations such as The American Legion (TAL), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Student Veterans of America (SVA), Reserve Organization of America (ROA), The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), Mission Roll Call (MRC), Black Veterans Empowerment Council (BVEC). It also has support from groups focused on homelessness prevention like National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) and others including Lyft, AARP, AFGE among many more.

A detailed summary of this legislation is available online.