Independent Living Enhancement Act

Floor Speech

Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, on Veterans Day, I had the honor of speaking at a veterans ceremony in Albuquerque, where I was reminded of our solemn responsibility that we have as lawmakers to do everything we can do to stand up for those who stand up for us.

That is why last month I introduced the Veterans' Independent Living Enhancement Act, bipartisan legislation that will help disabled veterans live independently and participate in family and community life.

Currently, only 2,700 veterans in the entire country can enroll in the VA's highly successful Independent Living Program each year. When you compare that to the 2.6 million veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars alone, it is clear that this number is far too low, preventing veterans from getting the services and support they need.

My bill, which has both Democratic and Republican cosponsors, along with the support of a dozen different veterans and health organizations, would remove this arbitrary cap so that every veteran who can participate in it would benefit from the Independent Living Program.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the House to fulfill its responsibility to our Nation's veterans and their families and take up this commonsense, bipartisan legislation.

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