U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Richard Blumenthal, who serve as chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, have introduced new legislation aimed at expanding access to VA Fisher Houses for active-duty servicemembers, reserve members, and their families.
The proposed Fisher House Availability Act would allow these groups to use temporary lodging facilities at VA locations when space is available. The Fisher Houses are constructed and donated by the Fisher House Foundation and offer free accommodation for those traveling long distances to receive medical care.
Senator Moran stated, “We have a commitment to support and care for our veterans, servicemembers and their families, especially when they are in a time of need. Military service is a family service, and this expansion makes certain military and veteran families can stay close to their loved ones while they are receiving medical care. I am grateful to the Fisher House Foundation for their commitment to provide comfort and lodging to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation, and I look forward to this legislation’s passage.”
Senator Blumenthal added, “I’m proud to partner with Chairman Moran to introduce this commonsense legislation that will ensure servicemembers and their families can utilize and stay at VA Fisher Houses, especially when traveling long distances to receive care. The Fisher House Foundation does great work serving veterans and their loved ones, and their commitment to helping our nation’s past and present servicemembers is truly commendable.”
According to information from the press release, the Fisher House Foundation has recently opened its 100th home. To date, it has provided over 12.5 million nights of free lodging for veterans, servicemembers, and their families who must travel far from home for health services.
