Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act
Floor Speech
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Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.
This bipartisan legislation contains consequential reforms that will significantly improve the lives of veterans and their families across the country.
I'm very proud that my bill, the Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement Act, is included in this package.
Known as the COPE Act, my bill would authorize the VA to award grants to organizations that provide mental health resources to those who care for our nation's veterans.
Caregivers play a critical role in the lives of older Americans-- especially our veterans--and as the only geriatric nurse practitioner in Congress, I know being a caregiver comes with immense emotional challenges.
By ensuring veteran caregivers can properly take care of their mental health, the COPE Act will improve the lives of our nation's heroes and solidify the support system they need to age with dignity.
In addition to the COPE Act, this package also includes the VA Medical Center Security Report Act of 2023, which I introduced to increase veterans' safety and support police officers at VA Medical Centers amid an uptick in violent crime.
Madam Speaker, I am the granddaughter of a veteran, the daughter of a veteran, the wife of a veteran, the mother of future veterans, and I served 10 years in the U.S. Navy myself.
I'm blessed to represent one of the largest veteran populations in the U.S. in Hampton Roads.
Improving the lives of our nation's heroes is, and always will be, one of my top priorities in Congress . . . and the legislation before us on the House Floor today helps Congress do just that.
I'd like to thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle-- Representatives Chrissy Houlahan and Chris Pappas--who joined me in originally introducing the COPE Act.
I'd also like to thank Chairman Bost for his commitment to our veterans and for spearheading the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.
I'm confident with the passage of this impactful legislation, we will move closer to fulfilling our promise to provide for America's veteran population and those who care for them.
I urge all my colleagues on both sides to support the Elizabeth Dole Act.
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