Last night, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, applauded the passage of five pieces of legislation she has cosponsored to support veterans and their families as well as improve healthcare services at the Department of Veterans Affairs and increase efficiency. The House passed H.R.2787 - VET MD Act to improve training of medical professionals in issues unique to veterans; H.R. 5882 - Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Act to provide surviving spouses more flexibility to terminate long-term leasing agreements in the event of the loss of a spouse; H.R. 5538 to improve access to VA vocational programs for National Guard members; H.R. 5649 The Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer William "Bill" Mulder (Ret.) Transition Improvement Act of 2018, which would enhance and improve the Transition Assistance Program so that veterans receive more comprehensive wrap around services when returning from duty; and H.R.5974 - VA COST SAVINGS Enhancements Act, which would direct the VA to establish a process for operating an on-site medical waste treatment system to eliminate expensive contractors and improve efficiency.

“I’m encouraged that the House continues to come together across the aisle to advance legislation that will benefit our servicemembers and their families,” said Kuster. “These bills address some specific challenges we’ve identified for veterans and their families and seek to remedy those issues while also enhancing healthcare at the VA and promoting greater efficiency. I’m proud of the work we’ve done on the VA Committee to get 22 bills signed into law this Congress for the benefit of our men and women who have served our nation and I hope we can add these pieces of legislation to that list in the near future.”

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. 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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