**Kuster’s amendment to the appropriations package will protect rural Granite State veterans’ access to care and connect homeless veterans across the country with support systems**

Washington, D.C. ⁠— Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) helped pass her amendment to eliminate funding for the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission and transfer the $5,000,000 to the Healthcare for Homeless Veterans Program. Earlier this year, Kuster helped dissolve the AIR Commission after it recommended the closure of the Littleton and Conway Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), which would have left a tremendous geographical gap in access to care for veterans in the North Country. Kuster’s amendment passed the House of Representatives as part of H.R. 8294, legislation funding Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs for Fiscal Year 2023.

“One of my top priorities in Congress is standing up for the brave men and women who served our country in uniform and ensuring they receive the high-quality care and services they have earned and deserve,” said Rep. Kuster. “I was proud to cosponsor and pass this bipartisan amendment to protect our veterans’ rural health care clinics — like those in Littleton and Conway — and support homeless veterans as they find housing and enter into VA care. We owe our Granite State veterans a tremendous debt of gratitude, and I will continue working to ensure we live up to our promise to them.”

This government funding package will secure critical investments in a range of key priorities for New Hampshire communities:

• Creating Good-Paying Jobs by upgrading NH’s roads, bridges, public transit, rail, airports and water infrastructure.
• Combating the Climate Crisis by expanding renewable energy, strengthening local resilience against extreme weather and spurring new, innovative technology.
• Bolstering NH’s Health and Economic Security by investing in federal nutrition programs, NH small businesses, stronger consumer protection and expanded affordable housing.
• Honoring Our Servicemembers by investing in VA health care, military housing, child care for military families and mental health services.
• Strengthening Our Nation’s Food Supply by supporting NH farmers, expanding agricultural research and investing in land conservation. 

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