Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Berman voted to secure timely health care funding for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA).  The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act authorizes Congress to approve veterans’ medical care funding one year in advance to better anticipate, and meet the demand for, veterans’ health care services.  The advanced funding will give the VA up to a full year to plan for the most effective and efficient way of delivering medical care.  Rep. Berman also voted to expand services for female veterans and increase veterans’ disability payments to reflect cost-of-living increases.

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 the legislation.

Far too often, American veterans encounter medical inconveniences because the VA does not receive the funding it needs.   This bill makes it easier to address the medical needs of veterans, ensuring that they have full access to health care services even when funding is delayed.

Today the House also passed the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, which addresses the specific issues faced by women veterans by expanding, improving, and increasing access to the health care services available to them. 

Today, women serve in combat conditions alongside their male counterparts, raising a whole new set of issues for veterans’ medical services.  This bill seeks to remedy these issues by providing better treatment and more accessible health services for female veterans.

The bills passed today build on a significant record of Congress's legislative accomplishments for veterans and troops over the last two and a half years  – 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 (PTSD).