Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Donald M. Payne voted to secure timely health care funding for the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA). The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act (HR 1016) authorizes Congress to approve veterans' medical care funding one year in advance to better anticipate and meet the demand for veterans' health care services.  Congressman Payne also voted for the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act (HR 1211) which expands services for female veterans and increase veterans' disability payments to reflect cost-of-living increases.

"Our veterans served with honor and they deserve the best services we can possibly offer," said Payne.  "This bill will make it easier to address the medical needs of our veterans, ensuring that they have full access to health care services even when funding is delayed."

The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, also passed by the House today, addresses the specific issues faced by women veterans, expands and improves the health care services available to them, and works to make those services more accessible. 

"Today, women serve in combat conditions alongside their male counterparts. This raises a whole new set of issues for women veterans when they return from service," explained Payne.  "The bill we passed today is a huge step towards providing better treatment and more accessible health services for our brave female veterans."

The bills passed today build on a significant record of accomplishment for veterans and troops over the last two and a half years under the New Direction Congress - including the New GI Bill, progress in improving veterans' hospitals and facilities, expanding economic opportunities for returning soldiers and improving care for those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

The issue of advanced funding is a top priority for veteran service organizations. Over 40 groups, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, have come out in support of these pieces of legislation.

"This Congress made a promise to leave no veteran behind and we are continuously working to fulfill that promise," said Payne.  "Our veterans have already served with distinction. Now, it is our turn to honor them and make sure they have the services they need."

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