Veterans Travel Program Reform Act

VETERANS TRAVEL PROGRAM REFORM ACT -- (House of Representatives - July 31, 2008)

(Mr. WALZ of Minnesota asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a new bill, the Veterans Travel Program Reform Act of 2008. I'm proud to be joined by my colleague from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) in introducing this legislation.

Many of our veterans incur significant costs traveling to and from VA facilities to receive their health care treatment. This is especially true because of skyrocketing gas prices, and it's a big problem in rural areas like southern Minnesota.

While some veterans are reimbursed for their travel, the rate they receive is way below what Members of this body receive when we travel in our cars. That is simply wrong. What's more, current law requires the VA Secretary to raise the deductible that veterans have to pay when the mileage reimbursement goes up.

Many of our veterans travel--and travel long distances--and end up paying for it out of their own pocket. This bill would fix these problems by making it more generous and fair in the reimbursement. It would set the mileage rate at the same rate that other Members of Congress and other Federal employees receive. It would eliminate the deductible, and it would eliminate the restrictions on eligibility so more of our veterans would be able to receive that.

Mr. Speaker, our veterans served us, now it's time we serve them. I urge my colleagues to join me.

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