(Washington D.C.) U.S. Congressman Sam Graves today successfully put homeless veterans at the head of the line when it comes to public housing. Graves successfully changed the Hope VI Public Housing bill (H.R. 3524) on the House floor; his common sense proposal attracted a bi-partisan 372-28 vote. Current law gives priority to ex-convicts.

 

“Veterans should be at the front of the line,” said Graves. “After proudly serving their country, veterans should not have to stand in line behind ex-convicts.”

 

A report issued this past November by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, found that Missouri ranked fourth in the nation in terms of highest percentage of veterans who are homeless. Missouri had an anticipated 4,800 homeless veterans in 2005.

 

“This wasn’t a Republican issue or a Democrat issue, it was an American issue,” said Graves. “We owe our daily freedoms to veterans and this one small thing we can do to say thank you.”

 

Veteran’s medical care funding has increased by 80% since Graves entered Congress in 2001. In addition, Graves has supported Concurrent Receipt for Veterans, co-sponsored the Wounded Warrior bill and voted for the Veterans Cost of Living Adjustment.

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