Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7158, as amended, the Long- Term Care Veterans Choice Act. This bill, authored and long championed by Congressman Higgins and Chairwoman Brownley, would enable VA to better provide long-term services and support for our aging and disabled veterans. {time} 1445 The VA's medical foster homes are one of its most creative and effective initiatives. Veterans who have access to these care settings thrive and are able to remain a part of their community, even if their conditions do not allow them to remain independently in their homes. Veterans who are not yet ready for institutional care but need the help and assistance of professional caregivers are able to live in a home setting among other veterans in their communities. Satisfaction with the program is very high, but veterans have to pay for the care themselves, which is a barrier for many veterans. Yet, VA is currently prohibited from paying a veteran's room and board. This legislation would change that. Community-based programs like these are what veterans want and deserve. They also prevent veterans from being forced into much more expensive institutional care settings. Mr. Speaker, I wholeheartedly support this bill, and I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”