Harris Applauds House Passage of Major Veterans’ Benefits Package on Veterans Day

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08) applauded the House passage of H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America's Veterans Act, a comprehensive legislative package of more than 60 bipartisan bills to expand veterans' benefits, improve access to health care, strengthen support for military families, and modernize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The legislation also includes reforms to reduce government bureaucracy and improve the delivery of services to our nation's veterans.

"Our veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our country, and we have a responsibility to ensure they receive the care and benefits they have earned," said Congressman Harris. "There could be no more fitting day than Veterans Day for House Republicans to pass legislation that strengthens health care, expands benefits for wounded veterans, and provides greater support for military families. We owe it to the brave men and women who have worn our nation's uniform to keep the promises we have made to them."

The Take Care of America's Veterans Act includes provisions to:

• Expand veterans' benefits through the Major Richard Star Act, allowing eligible combat-injured, medically retired veterans to receive both their military retirement pay and VA disability benefits.
  
• Improve access to health care by strengthening the Veterans Community Care Program, expanding rural health care services, and improving access to mental health and substance abuse treatment.
  
• Support caregivers and survivors by expanding benefits for catastrophically disabled veterans, their caregivers, and Gold Star families, including protections for surviving spouses who remarry.
  
• Strengthen education and employment opportunities by improving transition assistance, increasing housing allowances for eligible student veterans, and expanding access to career training.
  
• Modernize VA operations by improving disability claims and appeals, strengthening accountability, and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy.
  

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