Vasquez Introduces Landmark Package of Veteran Bills to Expand Health Care, Transportation, and Education

Roland Cooper, Veteran Advocate, to Attend Joint Session of Congress as Vasquez’s Guest

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez(NM-02) is reaffirming his commitment to America’s veterans by introducing a comprehensive legislative package that aims to improve access to health care, expand education benefits, and ensure veterans receive the support they deserve.

This package includes three key bills:

• Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act – Expands transportation options for rural veterans, ensuring they can reach VA facilities without financial or logistical barriers.
• New Mexico Rural Veteran Health Care Access Act – Redraws the Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) lines to allow veterans in Otero and Eddy counties access to the closer El Paso VA, reducing travel burdens and improving health care access.
• Veteran Education Assistance Adjustment Act – Increases the GI Bill book and supply stipend from $1,000 to $1,400, addressing the rising costs of educational materials that have not been updated since 2008.

Vasquez, who represents one of the country’s largest rural districts, is introducing these bills to address the unique challenges facing veterans in southern New Mexico.

“For too long, veterans in rural New Mexico have been treated unfairly when they seek access to basic health care, transportation, and education benefits,” said Vasquez. “These bills are informed by New Mexico veterans and will benefit veterans in our state and across the nation. These are commonsense proposals that should be endorsed by anyone who supports those who have served our country.”

In recognition of his dedication to veterans’ advocacy, USAF Retired Master Sgt. Roland "Coopdawg" Cooper, Chairman of the Lincoln Otero County Veterans Leadership Council, will be Rep. Vasquez’s guest at the upcoming Presidential address before the Joint Session of Congress.

This push for veteran-centered reforms comes at a critical moment, as veterans face unprecedented challenges due to mass firings of veterans throughout the federal government, including health care providers and claims processors. These cuts have further strained an already overburdened system, increased wait times and reduced access to essential services.

“This is a clear disregard for the wellbeing of our veterans, and ultimately, a failure of leadership,” Vasquez continued. “I am disappointed in those who pay lip service to veterans, yet make it harder for them to have access to the care and benefits they’ve earned. These firings have real, devastating consequences — especially for veterans in rural communities, where access to care is already limited. That’s why I’m encouraging my Republican colleagues to support these commonsense bills to ensure veterans in my district, and across the country, don’t get left behind.”

As a leader in the veteran community, Roland Cooper has spent decades advocating for better health care access for veterans. His firsthand experiences and tireless advocacy played a key role in shaping the New Mexico Rural Veteran Health Care Access Act.

Vasquez’s decision to invite Cooper to the Joint Session of Congress reflects his commitment to uplifting veteran voices—particularly those from rural areas—and ensuring New Mexico’s veterans are heard at the highest levels of government.

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