WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va., has announced his efforts to help secure full funding for rural health programs for veterans in a House-passed appropriations bill.
The Veterans Affairs Department would receive $250 million for the Office of Rural Health to improve the quality of care for the nation’s three million rural veterans.
The funds are included in H.R. 2029, the fiscal year 2016 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which the U.S. House of Representatives passed today 255-163.
Rep. Jenkins is a member of the House Appropriations Committee. He also secured a provision to improve consideration of how far veterans live from VA facilities when the VA awards grants for veterans transportation programs.
“I’m fighting for West Virginia’s veterans by ensuring important VA programs receive the funding they need to provide the care our veterans deserve. I pushed for full funding for the Office of Rural Health, which addresses the unique needs veterans in the Third Congressional District face in obtaining care from the VA. I also urged the VA to address the transportation needs of rural veterans – we must make sure our veterans are able to get to VA hospitals and clinics to receive timely care.
“This legislation also includes important funding for mental health issues, veteran homelessness, and continued efforts to fix the backlog problems at the VA. We must keep the promises we have made to our veterans. These brave men and women deserve access to quality healthcare, and this bill makes important steps to keep our promises,” Rep. Jenkins said.