Langevin Honors Veterans Day

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) honored our nation’s men and women in uniform this Veterans Day, as he announced the reintroduction of the Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act, bipartisan legislation that would make it easier for veterans to purchase homes and for disabled veterans to make adaptive modifications to their homes.

Langevin, who first introduced the legislation in 2013, made the announcement at the 5th annual Women Warriors luncheon coordinated by Operation Stand Down. He honored veterans earlier this morning at the North Kingstown Veterans Day Parade, and will attend the unveiling of a Veterans Honor Wall at Victoria Court Assisted Living Facility later this afternoon.

“Veteran homelessness is an epidemic in our country, and that is unacceptable. We must make the transition easier from military life overseas to successful, independent lives at home, and that includes support for safe, affordable, accessible housing,” said Langevin, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. “We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude, and the Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act is one way we can show our support and provide them with the welcome home they deserve.”

The Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act would provide a tax credit of up to $8,000 for specially adaptive housing improvements and a first-time homebuyer tax credit of up to $8,000 to eligible veterans. The bipartisan legislation is cosponsored by Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) and Congressman Paul Cook (R-CA), and is endorsed by the American Legion, VetsFirst, the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the Association of the United States Navy. A companion bill was introduced in the United States Senate by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA).

“Assisting the selfless service men and women of this country is our repayment for the risks they have taken and protection they have provided,” said Casey. “Ensuring veterans and their families are able to become homeowners and for their homes to be modified in the cases of disabilities caused by their service is not a privilege but a debt to the countless sacrifices they make on the nation’s behalf. We have an obligation to take steps that aid these families during and after service.”

“As the Ranking Member on the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee of the Veterans Affairs Committee, I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act,” said Titus. “This important legislation will help disabled veterans own their own house and receive a tax credit to ensure that the home meets their accessibility requirements. It is important that we do all we can to help our heroes as they transition to civilian life and this legislation is an important step in this effort.”

“This legislation will put the dream of home ownership in reach for tens of thousands of men and women in uniform,” said Cook. “Providing resources for transitioning troops to purchase their first home is the least we can do for those who serve our country honorably. I commend Congressman Langevin for his work on this timely bill.”