REP LIEU HELPS SECURE INCREASED FEDERAL FUNDING FOR OUR VETERANS
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) announced that a number of his priorities to help veterans in Los Angeles and around the country were included in the 2022 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which was signed into law by President Biden last week. The bill allocates a total of $112.2 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs, which is a $7.8 billion increase from the previous year.
"As a veteran, I know firsthand the sacrifices members of our armed services make to protect our nation. They deserve the highest quality of care our country has to offer. This increased funding is key to providing high-quality medical care and services to our nation's heroes. Specifically, $598 million will go toward preventing veteran suicide through services like the Veterans Crisis Line, which saw an increase in demand by over 59 percent last year. In addition, $483 million will go toward a supportive housing program for homeless veterans. While much work remains to address our nation's veterans homelessness crisis, this is a step in the right direction. I'm pleased to see this increased funding that will help our veterans receive the support and care they so rightfully deserve."
Specifically, Rep. Lieu helped secure:
- $50 million for the State Extended Care Facilities Grant Program, a partnership between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the States to construct, renovate, or repair State owned and operated nursing homes, domiciliary, and adult day health care facilities.
- $598 million for veterans suicide prevention outreach to support the nearly 2 million Veterans who receive mental health services in a VA specialty mental health setting, as well as support services like the Veterans Crisis Line.
- $483 million for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program - Case Management, a collaborative program which pairs HUD's Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance with VA case management and supportive services for homeless veterans.
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