Take Care of America's Veterans Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. KING-HINDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to lend my voice in strong support of H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America's Veterans Act.

This comprehensive package is designed to address the critical needs of our Nation's veterans.

The legislation represents a meaningful step forward closing resource gaps that have persisted for far too long. Among its provisions are vital improvements for veterans affected by traumatic brain injuries, expanded survivor benefits, and increased access to medical care in the U.S. territories and the Freely Associated States.

I am proud to note that two bills I authored are included in this package. First is the Territorial Response and Access to Veterans' Essential Lifecare, or TRAVEL Act. This provision, which already passed in the House, establishes a VA program enabling physicians to travel to the U.S. territories and deliver essential medical care directly to veterans.

The second bill, the U.S. Vets of the Freely Associated States Act, empowers the VA to provide telehealth services and mail prescriptions to veterans residing in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. These Pacific Island countries are among our closest allies whose citizens serve in our military at exceptionally high rates, yet they lack access to basic care and benefits. This legislation will help remedy that inequity.

The Take Care of America's Veterans Act is not just important. It is urgent. Our veterans deserve the best we can offer, and this package delivers on that promise.

I thank Chairman Bost for his leadership and dedication to veterans everywhere. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the passage of H.R. 9237.

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