Washington, DC- Today, Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) joined the House in passing three measures to support our nation’s veterans by aiding their transition to civilian life, expanding their healthcare benefits, and increasing their disability compensation. “We owe a debt of gratitude to our men and women in uniform, and when they return home it is our responsibility to see that they are supported,” Higgins said. “The legislation passed today will help to ensure that these American heroes have the resources they need to succeed in civilian life.”

H.R. 1171, Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) Act, would reauthorize the HVRP program for five years through Fiscal Year 2014. HVRP provides grants to assist homeless veterans in job placement through services such as classroom training, job preparation, and vocational counseling. To support and stabilize homeless veterans prior to addressing employment goals, HVRP grantees also provide supportive services and referrals to necessary treatment services, counseling, and housing assistance.

According to the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Urban Institute, 1999), veterans account for 23% of all homeless people in America. H.R. 1377 would expand veterans’ health benefits by allowing the Department of Veteran Affairs to reimburse veterans who receive emergency care at non-VA facilities. In addition, the bill would require VA to pay for health conditions not related to military service in the event a third-party insurer does not cover the full cost of care. H.R. 1513, Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act would provide a cost-of-living adjustment and increase the rates of disability compensation for veterans with service-related disabilities. The measure also would increase the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for survivors of veterans with certain service-related disabilities.