On Monday, the House reportedly passed a substantial measure that will provide funding for a variety of veterans care services and expand the opportunities for retired service members in the workforce and education..
The Dole Act, also known as the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, was approved by a bipartisan vote of 389-9.
The measure is a victory for Republicans who have been advocating for the expansion of veterans’ access to care at home and have identified issues with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The measure will subsequently be sent to the Senate, but it is uncertain whether the Democratic-controlled chamber will provide support for the legislation.
The Dole Act, which is named after the former Republican senator from North Carolina, is a top priority for veterans advocacy groups.
They emphasize the bill’s extensive list of funding priorities as a means of enhancing care through the VA.
The legislation would address veterans’ housing concerns by allowing the VA to provide grants for transitional housing for all veterans and offer Native American veterans the opportunity to purchase land on tribal lands and develop home developments.
Among a lengthy list of other health services, it also enhances mental health care for veterans, increases coverage for veterans seeking alternatives to nursing home care, funds at-home services, covers ambulance rides to the VA, and provides more options for veterans who require a caretaker.
Additionally, the bill includes initiatives to enhance education by modernizing educational assistance tools and expanding scholarship access.
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