Sheila Jackson Lee: “As a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget, I rise in strong support of…”

“As a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4285, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2019, which among other things, reauthorizes the VA Vendee Loan Program. The VA Vendee Loan program allows veterans, non-veterans, owner- occupants, and investors the opportunity to purchase VA real estate owned properties. Veterans have the opportunity to purchase these properties with little to no money down, competitive interest rates, 15 or 30 year loan term options, and no appraisal requirement or pre-payment penalties. H.R. 4285 would provide a one-year extension to this critical program that gives veterans a viable alternative to traditional financing. The Department of Veterans Affairs is making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of veterans and beneficiaries. For example, in the Philippines, the Manila Regional office is the only Veterans Affairs office outside the United States or its territories. This legislation will create a one-year extension of VA's authority to operate a Regional Office in the Philippines, providing benefits claims, local payment of benefit checks, and other social services to thousands of U.S. veterans living oversees in the Philippines. In addition, H.R.…”