On the recordJune 21, 2019
Mr. Chair, we have recognized that there is a lack of available overnight bed space for mental health patients at VA facilities, and this is a huge issue that the VA is facing. In fact, we did provide an additional $20 million within the medical facilities account in the base bill as an effort to begin to address this dire need. This amendment will add an additional, vital $5 million to expand VA facilities and provide additional bed space for veterans requiring overnight mental healthcare. We can never do too much to provide mental healthcare for our veterans. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I congratulate the gentleman on his leadership on this issue.
