Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 542, the Elizabeth Dole Home- and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2023, or the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act of 2023, as amended. The bill is a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at transforming the landscape of long-term care for our Nation's veterans. I commend Representative Brownley for her bipartisan work with me on it. Veterans, like all Americans, are living longer. This requires the Veterans Administration to adapt to this evolving veteran population to ensure that eligible veterans entering their later years have access to long-term care that meets their needs. As of fiscal year 2022, approximately 3.1 million veterans, roughly half of VA's active patient population, were 65 years or older. These veterans, often older, sicker, and poorer than the general population, and often residing in rural areas, demand a tailored approach to healthcare. Veterans want to remain at home for care, avoiding admission to long- term care facilities. This preference is not only understandable but becomes imperative given the current challenges with long-term care facilities and limited admissions nationwide. By expanding VA's noninstitutional long-term care services through Representative Brownley's and my bill, we would allow aging and disabled veterans the option of staying in their homes.…”