Julia Brownley: “As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to serve our veterans as well as they have served us and our country.…”

“As Members of Congress, we have a responsibility to serve our veterans as well as they have served us and our country. That means a lifelong commitment to their health and well-being. Veterans who are severely disabled or blinded after they return home are eligible for medical care at VA specialty rehabilitation clinics, where we can improve their quality of life and independence; but, too often, veterans cannot afford the cost of the trip. The Blinded Veterans Association of America estimates that, even though these VA clinics have long wait lists, one of four beds is empty because veterans who need care cannot afford to pay for transportation for their care. That is why I have introduced the Veterans Medical Access Act, legislation to reimburse blinded and severely disabled veterans for travel expenses in Ventura County and across the country so they can access the lifesaving and life-changing care they need. I hope that my colleagues will join me in support of this critical legislation. ____________________”