House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost, joined by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, Representative Gus Bilirakis, and several veteran service organizations, urged support for H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, during a press conference in Washington on July 14. The bill is described as the largest expansion of healthcare and benefits for veterans, Gold Star families, and servicemembers in a decade. The House is scheduled to vote on the package this week.
Bost said the legislation “delivers on the promise we have made to put veterans – not big government – back in charge.” He added that it builds on previous acts to expand healthcare access so veterans can receive care close to home without delay. “This bill also increases benefits for severely disabled veterans… Families like theirs haven’t seen their benefits increased in nearly 30 years,” Bost said.
McClain said the act modernizes the Department of Veterans Affairs disability benefits system so current and future veterans can access eligible benefits. “Behind every veteran is a family that has sacrificed; this bill recognizes those sacrifices by supporting caregivers and families,” she said.
Bilirakis highlighted provisions ending what he called the wounded veteran tax: “First and foremost, this legislation delivers long overdue justice for combat-wounded, disabled veterans… This package provides immediate relief to nearly 60,000 combat-wounded veterans. We must end the wounded veteran tax on behalf of these brave men and women.” David Star spoke about his brother Maj. Richard Star’s legacy: “Its cornerstone, the Major Richard Star Act, restores earned retirement pay to combat-disabled veterans forced from service before twenty years… Pass the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act and send it to the President.”
Veteran service organizations voiced support for various aspects of the bill at the event. A representative from Wounded Warrior Project described how increased compensation would help families afford essential care: “This is more than just financial relief. It is great stability, better care, and respite for families whose service has never ended.” The American Legion called it “the most viable opportunity to deliver lasting positive change,” urging Congress not to delay passage.
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors praised inclusion of provisions ending remarriage penalties for surviving spouses: “Ending the remarriage penalty is long overdue; no surviving spouse should have to choose between finding happiness again and keeping benefits their loved one earned.”