Fletcher's proposed CARS for Vets Act 'provides a critical fix to allow disabled veterans to replace the adapted vehicles they need'

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Houston) recently proposed the Care Access Resources for Vets Act (CARS) in an effort to make it easier for disabled veterans to get vehicles that have been adjusted to meet their specific needs, according to a press release.

Fletcher presented the CARS for Vets Act alongside U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

"This #MilitaryAppreciationMonth, I am glad to introduce the CARS for Vets Act," Fletcher stated in a tweet. "With this legislation, vets will be able to replace adapted vehicles every 10 years, allowing them to continue living independent lives after serving our country."

The act enables the secretary of Veterans Affairs to facilitate the provision of an additional vehicle to an eligible individual if 10 years have passed since the previous vehicle was provided and it also broadens the definition of "medical services" to include certain vehicle modifications.

“In our community and communities across the country, cars are essential for transportation. For disabled veterans, driving a car can present challenges," Fletcher stated in a press release. “This program allows for a one-time payment for one vehicle."

Currently, the federal government offers one-time financial support to disabled veterans for these adaptive vehicle purchases. However, Takano noted that this policy forces veterans to pay out of pocket for any replacement vehicle.

“Right now, veterans who need to replace the adapted vehicles that help them get to work and medical appointments may be stuck paying tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket,” Takano stated in the press release. “That’s not right. Rep. Fletcher’s CARS for Vets Act provides a critical fix to allow service-connected disabled veterans to replace the adapted vehicles they need every 10 years by utilizing a VA grant.”

According to the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, the CARS for Vets Act would benefit approximately 60,000 veterans over the next decade.

The legislation was proposed in conjunction with Military Appreciation Month, which Congress officially recognized in 1999. During this month, the president issues an official proclamation honoring the men and women who have served the country.

Additionally, this legislation is endorsed by several disabled veteran advocacy groups including the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).