Van Hollen Votes To Strengthen Health Care For America's Veterans

Statement

Today, Congressman Chris Van Hollen, Assistant to the Speaker, issued the following statement on House passage of the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act (H.R. 1016) and the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act (H.R. 1211):

"Today, I was proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass two pieces of legislation that are critical to keeping our promises to our brave men and women in uniform. The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act will ensure sufficient, timely and predictable funding for our veterans, and the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act expands VA health care services for 1.8 million female veterans.

"Here in Maryland's eighth district, we are committed to providing the best care possible for our veterans and wounded warriors at Bethesda Naval Hospital and soon at the Walter Reed Hospital National Military Medical Center. Our armed forces sacrifice for our nation and we have a responsibility to provide them with world-class care.

"President Obama and the 111th Congress are committed to supporting our veterans. We have made historic gains for America's troops, veterans and military families - passing a Supplemental Appropriations bill to provide for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan; implementing a New GI Bill to restore the promise of a full, four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans; providing the largest increase in history for veterans' health care and other services; and making significant strides in rebuilding the American military and strengthening other benefits for our troops and military families."

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