U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) on Nov. 9 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would make federal grants to eligible Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) for facility and technology improvements.
The Saving Vet Halls Act of 2023, H.R. 6337, which Rep. Garbarino introduced with nine original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Ritchie Torres (D-NY), would provide grants for VSOs to repair or rehabilitate a VSO facility, or to acquire or upgrade technology for such a facility, according to the text of the bill.
Rep. Garbarino said that VSOs provide critical resources for U.S. military veterans and their facilities serve as places for communities to come together, allowing people to gather for events like birthdays, weddings, job fairs, and other special occasions.
“Unfortunately,” said the congressman, “many veterans’ halls have struggled to survive over the past few years due to declining membership numbers, outdated technology, and facilities in disrepair from years of neglect, leading to the closure of several thousand veterans’ halls across the country over the past decade.
“The Saving Vet Halls Act of 2023 would provide a crucial lifeline to ensure VSOs can continue serving our community,” he added.
Specifically, H.R. 6337 would establish a $10 million grant program through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to permit VSOs to apply for grants of up to $75,000 to make necessary building infrastructure and technology improvements, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Garbarino’s staff.
If enacted, H.R. 6337 would require VSOs to submit plans demonstrating their funding need, as well as the use of such funds, to the VA Secretary, who would then prioritize grant allocation based on need and the capacity to complete the project, the summary says.
“The Saving Vet Halls Act of 2023 recognizes the vital role played by Veteran Service Organizations like the American Legion, AMVETS, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, ensuring they thrive for generations,” said Rep. Torres. “By creating a $10 million grant program, this bill empowers these local heroes with the resources they need to renovate and modernize their facilities.”
H.R. 6337 has garnered support from the American Legion, AMVETS, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.