House approves Mast bill to extend critical veterans programs

Legislation led by U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) to preserve many benefits that veterans rely on, including health care, homeless programs, child care assistance and transportation, cleared the House on Monday with broad, bipartisan support.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2017 would avert expiring VA authorities that would cut off veterans’ access to vital services and programs. The measure was approved with support from U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), who authored a key provision of the bill, and U.S. Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), the chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.

“The heroic men and women that I fought alongside in our Armed Forces have earned the very best care our country has to offer, but without this immediate action from Congress, veterans could have lost access to benefits, health care, support for the homeless and more,” Mast said. “The Senate must now do its part and get this common sense, bipartisan bill to the president’s desk.”

Other programs to help veterans that would expire at the end of this fiscal year or calendar year without congressional action include support services for caregivers, adaptive sports programs, and housing and home loan services.

The bill included the Keeping Our Commitment to Disabled Veterans Act, which Issa introduced in July. The provision would prevent a VA program that provides nursing home care to disabled veterans from expiring at the end of the year.

“Nursing home care is a crucial lifeline of support for so many disabled veterans throughout our state,” Issa said. “After everything these heroes have sacrificed to protect and defend our nation, we owe it to them that we ensure they are well taken care of and receive the high-quality care they deserve. I’m proud that today’s extender package includes my bill to ensure these disabled heroes continue receiving the care they need. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to swiftly pass this legislation so we can get it to the president’s desk without delay.”

Speaking in support of the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act, Roe said the men and women who served have served the nation, and their caregivers and dependents, rely on VA programs for critical support.

“I thank Rep. Mast for his leadership on this essential legislation to extend the authorities of many VA programs and aid in the administration’s implementation of the Forever GI Bill,” Roe said.

The bill would also extend an assisted living pilot program to help veterans with traumatic brain injuries for another five months.