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Rep. Gabe Vasquez Votes to Pass Landmark Veterans Legislation, Modernizing VA Services and Expanding Access to Benefits

November 22, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) voted to pass a comprehensive veterans’ package that improves health care, housing and education for veterans. The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act is the flagship veterans package for the 118th Congress. It encompasses a number of bipartisan, bicameral provisions that Vasquez has actively supported to modernize health care, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits and services, expand access to job training and employment opportunities, address veteran homelessness and more.  

“New Mexico’s veterans deserve a VA system that works for them, not against them. I’m proud to champion these efforts to ensure access to high-quality care, job training for in-demand industries and resources for those experiencing homelessness,” said Vasquez. “This legislation makes good on our promise to honor and care for those who’ve served our country, especially veterans in rural areas who too often face barriers to accessing the support they’ve earned.”

Specifically, the bill includes key health care measures such as mandating timely scheduling of VA appointments, including same-day options, to reduce delays in accessing care, reimbursing ambulance costs for emergency care, which will significantly help rural veterans who rely on emergency services in areas without nearby VA facilities. It also expands dental care to address a crucial gap in veterans’ health care and raises the cap on alternative care options for VA nursing homes, ensuring rural veterans can access care closer to home. 

To support workforce development, the bill approves commercial driver education programs as eligible under VA educational assistance programs, creating new career pathways for veterans. 

Additionally, this bill also addresses the mental health crisis by requiring the Secretary of the VA to submit an annual national veteran suicide prevention report to increase transparency and oversight. To support homeless veterans, it will strengthen support for homeless veterans by granting the VA greater flexibility to fund essential items such as food, shelter and clothing. 

These provisions that Vasquez has championed reflect a strong commitment to improving the lives of those who have served our country. Since taking office, Vasquez has prioritized improving rural health care, strengthening workforce opportunities and supporting families and veterans across New Mexico’s second district.

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