U.S. Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) last week proposed a package of four bills to help United States military veterans live healthier lives, navigate benefits more easily, and remain supported long after their military service ends.
“These bipartisan bills expand access to proven wellness programs, strengthen veteran-owned small businesses, modernize critical VA benefits, and create a trusted place for veterans and their families to get the help they need,” Rep. Kiggans said. “As a Navy veteran, taking care of those who have served is personal to me, and I’m proud to introduce this package as we head into the holidays.”
The legislative package includes the Fit Vets Act, H.R. 6649, which Rep. Kiggans sponsored on Dec. 11 alongside three original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Joe Neguse (D-CO).
If enacted, H.R. 6649 would establish a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pilot program to provide enrolled veterans with free access to SilverSneakers, or another comparable evidence-based fitness program. The initiative promotes mobility, chronic disease prevention, and healthy aging among older veterans.
The package also includes the Federal Acquisition Improvement and Reform (FAIR) Vets Act, H.R. 6648, which Rep. Kiggans also sponsored on Dec. 11 with Reps. Bacon and Neguse to update federal contracting thresholds to ensure service-disabled, veteran-owned small businesses are able to compete for more and larger projects.
H.R. 6648 would help level the playing field for veteran entrepreneurs by modernizing rules that have not kept pace with today’s costs and contracting structure, according to the lawmakers.
“As a retired brigadier general, I know there are skills you get in the military that can’t be found anywhere else,” said Rep. Bacon. “Adding a tool for companies to browse resumes and find talented candidates for their jobs will be a tremendous boost to veteran employment.”
Rep. Kiggans also sponsored the Veterans Career Connection Act, H.R. 6650, with cosponsors including Rep. Bacon and U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-MO), to establish a national network of Veterans Connection Hubs, which would be trusted community-based centers where veterans and their families could access mental health services, benefits navigation, crisis support, employment and transition resources, and other assistance.
The hubs created under H.R. 6650 would be designed to streamline support and reduce confusion, said Rep. Kiggans.
Finally, the package includes the Clarity on Care Options Act, H.R. 6526, which Rep. Kiggans sponsored on Dec. 9 to require that the VA create and maintain a publicly available directory of healthcare providers who accept CHAMPVA, the VA’s health benefits program.
“These bills reflect the best of bipartisan cooperation,” Rep. Kiggans said. “They improve health and wellness, strengthen support services, and make it easier for veterans and their families to access the benefits they deserve. I’m grateful to my colleagues for working with me to get this done.”