**Kuster applauds bipartisan productivity of VA Committee**

** This Congress the Veterans’ Affairs Committee has seen 22 bills signed into law**

Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, supported committee passage of legislation to expand support for veterans returning to civilian life. It’s estimated that 20 veterans die by suicide every day on average. The Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William "Bill" Mulder (Ret.) Transition Improvement Act of 2018 would enhance and improve the Transition Assistance Program so that veterans receive more comprehensive wrap around services when returning from duty. The bill would create a more individualized approach that identifies the unique needs of returning veterans in areas such as housing and employment.

“We ask so much of our men and women in uniform and ensuring that they have the support they need when they return home from service is critical,” said Kuster. “By improving the Transition Assistance Program and enhancing the individual options for veterans, we can help more servicemembers make a successful transition to civilian life. Each time a veteran takes their own life it represents a failure on the part of our country to care for that individual who is struggling. I’m hopeful that we can make reforms so that no veteran is unable to access the support they need.”

This Congress the Veterans’ Affairs Committee has advanced more than 80 bills and seen 22 signed into law. Kuster applauded the bipartisan work being done on the VA Committee, “I’m encouraged that the VA Committee has continued to make strides on behalf of the men and women who have served our nation in uniform. The leadership of Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz has helped us stay focused on achieving real results. In New Hampshire, we have a strong tradition of service and I’m proud to be able to work every day for the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our nation.”

Kuster has focused on working across the aisle to improve access to care for veterans in New Hampshire and across the country. She was one of just two democrats to co-sponsor the VA MISSION Act, which passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. This legislation reauthorizes and improves the VA Choice Program and enhances community care programs within the VA. The VA MISSION Act expands access to community care for veterans in New Hampshire through a provision advocated for by Kuster.

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