Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) has introduced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at reforming and enhancing the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 8371) is set to be the primary veterans package for the 118th Congress, following in the footsteps of the Isakson and Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 (H.R. 7105) from the 116th Congress.

The new legislation includes numerous bipartisan proposals intended to improve healthcare, benefits, and services delivery at the VA for veterans, their families, and survivors. Among these provisions is Ciscomani's initiative to reauthorize the VET-TEC workforce training program.

Ciscomani's efforts have received backing from House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (R-IL-12), Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester (D-MT), and Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-KS).

“With over 70,000 veterans in my district, one of my top priorities in Congress has been to ensure our veterans are getting what they need — and what they deserve — from the VA,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act makes great strides to close the gaps in economic opportunity, care, and housing that have left our service members behind."

Chairman Bost echoed these sentiments, stating that his goal since becoming Chairman has been to ensure that veterans receive a VA that works with them rather than against them.

The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act enjoys support from a growing list of organizations including The American Legion (TAL), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Elizabeth Dole Foundation, and many others.

For more information about the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, click here. The bill text can be found here.