Mark Takano: “I thank Chairman McGovern for yielding. Madam Speaker, as of this week, over 10,000 veterans and 130 VHA employees have…”

“I thank Chairman McGovern for yielding. Madam Speaker, as of this week, over 10,000 veterans and 130 VHA employees have lost their lives to COVID-19. Over 226,000 veterans and 18,000 VA employees have tested positive. It is clear: We must act now. This bill would provide funding to increase VA's claims and appeals processing to reduce the backlog caused by COVID-19. It would deliver critical funding for the Veterans Health Administration, bolster VA's supply chain modernization, and support State veterans homes to upgrade and enhance their safety operations. It would also fund stronger oversight through the VA's Office of Inspector General, secure assistance for unemployed veterans, and prohibit copayments for veterans during the pandemic. This bill is critical to ensure the health system that veterans rely on can continue to meet their needs and serve as a backup to America's overwhelmed healthcare systems. While a return to handshakes, hugs, and visible smiles is on the horizon, the path to get there requires this Congress to do quick and thorough work to ensure we all get there together.”