WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Michael Michaud, Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health, announced that his state veterans home legislation is included in a package of veterans-related bills that will be advanced by the House and the Senate.  Michaud’s bill ensures that severely disabled and elderly veterans are able to get the care they need at state veterans homes. 

“Veterans in Maine and across the country have been waiting far too long for this legislation, and it is great news to hear that Congress is finally moving to consider these important measures,” said Michaud. “Passage of this state veterans home legislation will ensure that we honor our veterans’ service to our country by providing them with the care they need.”

Michaud’s bill requires the VA to enter into contracts with state veterans homes in order to reimburse them for the actual cost of the care they provide. His legislation passed the House by unanimous consent last October and has been waiting for Senate consideration ever since. 

In addition to the language fixing the state veterans homes reimbursement issue, the package of bills includes nearly 50 provisions to improve healthcare, housing, education, homelessness, memorial affairs and compensation for veterans and certain dependents. This legislation also protects veterans from predatory behaviors and requires increased accountability and transparency from within the VA.