Kiggans votes for 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act

Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) voted in favor of H.R. 8371, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support—389 votes in favor and 9 against. The bill includes two pieces of legislation authored by Kiggans: the Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement (COPE) Act (H.R. 3581) and the VA Medical Center Security Report Act of 2023 (H.R. 3504).

“Improving the lives of our nation’s heroes is, and always will be, one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Kiggans. “Veterans deserve a VA that works for them and allows them to fully live the lives they risked so bravely for our freedom. I am proud that two of my own bills were included in this comprehensive legislative package, which will help increase mental health resources for veterans’ caregivers and improve security at VA medical centers.”

The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act is a wide-ranging package designed to enhance veterans’ access to critical resources and improve the quality of care they receive. The legislation includes provisions to better support home care, expand mental health resources for caregivers, improve access to disability benefits, and enhance community care.

Kiggans’ COPE Act (H.R. 3581) is a key component of the bill, which authorizes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide grants to organizations that focus on mental healthcare for caregivers of veterans. The act also mandates outreach to registered caregivers and requires both the VA and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to provide Congress with research on the program’s effectiveness and outcomes.

Her VA Medical Center Security Report Act (H.R. 3504) is aimed at bolstering safety at VA medical facilities. This provision requires VA leadership to submit detailed reports on the condition of VA police forces and security measures at medical centers. Despite operating 144 police units at VA facilities, reports show a concerning rise in violent crimes at these centers, from 3,141 incidents in FY 2018 to 6,505 in FY 2021.

“This bipartisan legislation is a significant step forward for veteran care and services,” Kiggans added. “I encourage the Senate to act swiftly so it can be signed into law as soon as possible.”

The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. If approved, it will be sent to the President for final approval and enactment into law.