Brindisi bill extends aid for rural vets

Rep. Anthony J. Brindisi, D-22, Utica, and Rep. Mike Bost, R-Illinois, have introduced a bill extending key veterans programs such as support for traveling far for medical care, Brindisi announced.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2019 would extend the travel payments for rural veterans who have to travel long distances to receive care.

“Our veterans defended our country and earned these benefits,” said Brindisi, a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “Our rural veterans sometimes need to travel long distances to receive care and they shouldn’t be forced to foot the bill. Washington needs to do right by all of our veterans and make sure there is no interruption in services for them or their families.”

The legislation, introduced Wednesday, includes:

A two-year extension of authority to fund appropriations of $380 million for financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing;

A one-year extension of the VA’s authority to temporarily expand payments and allowances for beneficiary travel in connection with receiving care from vet centers;

A one-year extension of VA’s authority relating to vendee loans; and

A one-year extension of VA’s authority to operate a regional office in the Philippines.