House Passes H.R. 8371, Dole Act, with 389-9 Vote to Enhance Veterans' Healthcare and Benefits

Nov 19, 2024, 12:30 AM

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 8371) with a vote of 389-9. This comprehensive legislation, championed by Rep. Ciscomani, aims to enhance healthcare and benefits for veterans by modernizing the disability claims process, expanding high-tech career programs, providing access to at-home care for aging veterans, and improving community care. The bill includes provisions to protect the MISSION Act, ensuring veterans have timely access to healthcare of their choice, and introduces measures to reduce red tape in the claims process. Key components of the act also focus on employment protections for Reservists and Guardsmen, support for veterans' caregivers, and educational benefits for families of veterans who died from service-related disabilities. The legislation has garnered bipartisan support, with several representatives highlighting its significance in delivering on the nation's promise to its veterans.