Ernst cosponsors bipartisan bill to assist homeless veterans during public health emergencies

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) recently introduced a bipartisan bill to provide the U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) with flexibility in caring for homeless military veterans during a public health emergency.

“Without access to some of the most basic hygiene products and the ability to social distance, our homeless veterans are some of our most vulnerable individuals during COVID-19,” Sen. Ernst said. “This bipartisan bill will allow the VA to help get these folks the resources and support they need.”

Sen. Ernst on June 4 cosponsored the Homeless Veterans Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, S. 3898, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and 22 other cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Hoeven (R-ND), Susan Collins (R-ME), Martha McSally (R-AZ), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ).

If enacted, S. 3898 would loosen certain regulations and enable the VA to use existing resources to offer homeless veterans additional assistance, including transportation, communication devices and services, and basic amenities, like clothing, blankets and hygiene items, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Ernst’s office.

The bill also would permit the VA to work with partner organizations to set up shelters and ensure homeless veterans have access to the VA’s telehealth services, according to the summary.

“Homeless veterans are some of the most at-risk Americans for COVID-19 infection and the resulting health challenges without the support and shelter most of us take for granted,” said Sen. Sullivan. “With this legislation, my colleagues and I reaffirm our commitment to honoring their service by making sure the VA is properly resourced to meet the unique needs of our hardest-hit veterans affected during the pandemic.”