Saratoga Springs, NY – Today, local Congresswoman announced passage of legislation that will update the mileage reimbursement rate for our area veterans.  The new legislation will increase the mileage reimbursement for veterans traveling for health care services from $.28 cents per mile to $.41 per mile.  This adjustment was included as part of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, which passed the House, with the Congresswoman’s support, on August 1st.  The update is based on legislation that the Congresswoman cosponsored; H.R. 6287, the Veterans Travel Equity Act. The Senate is expected to act on this legislation in September.

“Many of our brave veterans must rely on a fixed income to contend with rising fuel and food costs,” said Congresswoman Gillibrand, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee.  “This adjustment of the reimbursement rate is critical for region’s like Upstate New York, where our veterans often times must travel long distances to receive care.  It is my honor to advocate for the brave men and women who served in defense of the United States of America.”  

The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill was endorsed by the nation’s major veterans advocacy groups including Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled Veterans of America, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and AMVETS. 

Congresswoman Gillibrand has been a tireless advocate for our nation’s veterans.  She has authored legislation to aid our veterans through the difficult transition from active duty to veteran status.  Last month, the Congresswoman announced that she had introduced the PRO-Vets Act, which would revolutionize the Veteran’s Administration to change it from a passive to an active system to inform our veterans of their earned benefits.  Under the current system, Veterans have to navigate a confusing system to try and figure out what benefits they have earned.  Under the PRO-Vets Act, the VA would inform the veteran of the benefits he or she has earned.