House passes bill enhancing veterans' healthcare and benefits

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, known as H.R. 8371. This legislative package includes several bipartisan proposals aimed at modernizing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to prioritize veterans and their families.

Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), who introduced the Modernization of VA Disability Benefits Questionnaires Act included in H.R. 8371, commented on the passage: “As a veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make for our country. We owe it to our veterans to ensure they have access to modern, high-quality care and services when they return home.”

He further stated that the act would "modernize the disability benefits claims process, enhance career opportunities for servicemembers transitioning home, address homelessness among veterans, and ensure no veteran is left behind." Congressman Luttrell emphasized that this legislation is not only sound policy but also a responsibility to support those who have served.

The reforms are designed to be fully offset without contributing to the national deficit. The comprehensive package includes various acts such as:

- Modernization of VA Disability Benefits Questionnaires Act (H.R. 4461)

- VET-TEC Authorization Act (H.R. 1669)

- Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act (H.R. 542)

- Veterans Care Improvement Act (H.R. 3520)

- HOME Act (H.R. 3848)

- Veterans Education Assistance and Improvement Act (H.R. 3874)

- Servicemember Employment Protection Act (H.R. 3943)

- COPE Act (H.R. 3581)

- Gerald’s Law Act (H.R. 234)

- Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act (H.R. 984)

- VA Office of Inspector General Training Act (H.R. 2733)

- VA Medical Center Security Report Act of 2023 (H.R. 3504)

These initiatives aim to improve various aspects of veteran healthcare and benefits.