Moran: House Passes Record Funding Increase for Veterans

Press Release

Moran: House Passes Record Funding Increase for Veterans

Congressman Jerry Moran today announced House passage of legislation that provides the largest increase in funding for veterans in the history of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). During consideration of the bill, Moran successfully offered an amendment to increase mileage reimbursement rates for service-connected disabled veterans traveling to VA medical facilities. Moran's amendment doubles the reimbursement from its current rate of 11 cents per mile.

"Many veterans must travel hundreds of miles to reach a VA facility and at only 11 cents per mile, the reimbursement rate does little to defray the cost of the drive," Moran said. "As we work to boost VA health care, it is important to remember that the medical services offered at the VA can only be enjoyed by veterans if they can get to this care. My amendment will help more veterans afford their trip to the VA to receive the health care they have earned."

While the mileage reimbursement rate for disabled veterans has not been changed from 11 cents per mile since 1978, federal employees continue to see their mileage reimbursement rates increase with higher gas prices. Moran's amendment doubles the mileage reimbursement for disabled veterans traveling to and from VA medical facilities. The increase in travel reimbursement rates will help veterans access VA health care.

Moran's amendment was part of a spending bill to fund military construction projects and the VA. The legislation provides a 13 percent increase for veterans medical care, including funding to care for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, expanded mental health treatment and money to address the repair and maintenance needs of VA facilities. This bill also adds more than 1,000 new claims processors to reduce the backlog of pending benefits claims.

The legislation is now being considered by the U.S. Senate. Moran is a senior member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee where he serves on the Subcommittee on Health.

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