Ruiz and Walorski Bill to Improve Quality and Safety of Disabled Veterans' Mobility Equipment Passes House

Statement

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (IN-02), a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, today applauded House passage of her bill to improve the quality and safety of mobility equipment used by disabled veterans.

H.R. 3471, the Veterans Mobility Safety Act, would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to set comprehensive standards for providers of automobile adaptive equipment, such as wheelchair lifts and reduced-effort steering and braking systems. The legislation passed unanimously by voice vote and now heads to the Senate.

"America's disabled veterans made tremendous sacrifices in service to their country, and we have a responsibility to ensure the safety and quality of the mobility equipment they depend on in their daily lives," Congresswoman Walorski said. "This commonsense bill will update the VA's outdated policies and set comprehensive standards for automobile adaptive equipment providers in order to keep disabled veterans safe."

"As a physician, I know that safe transportation methods are essential to ensuring disabled veterans can access the programs and support they need to live healthy lives. I was proud to work to pass this bipartisan legislation that will result in safety standards for installation and maintenance of safety mobility equipment," said Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D., a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. "I am deeply committed to ensuring veterans have access to the resources and services that they have earned in service to our nation."

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