U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, led the committee in passing 24 pieces of legislation on Mar. 18 aimed at improving the lives of veterans, caregivers, and survivors across the country.
The passage of these bills is significant as it addresses key issues for veterans and their families, including benefits for surviving spouses, access to education benefits for National Guard members and Reservists, improvements in prosthetic care, and expanded lodging options during medical treatment.
Moran said, “The bipartisan pieces of legislation that have now passed out of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs are crucial to the success of the Department of Veterans Affairs in carrying out its mission to support our nation’s servicemembers, veterans and their families and survivors.” He added his appreciation for all bill sponsors and expressed satisfaction in advancing them to the full Senate.
During a business meeting, Moran highlighted recent events affecting military families. “Military service is family service, and no one knows that as clearly as a survivor does,” he said. “I note this today as several members of our committee are currently attending the dignified transfer of fallen servicemembers at Dover Air Force Base. Our thoughts are with the survivors of those fallen heroes, and we advance these bills out of committee today to make certain that servicemembers, veterans and their families receive the benefits and services they deserve.”
Among Moran’s legislative priorities advanced were: The Love Lives On Act (allowing surviving spouses who remarry before age 55 to retain Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits), Guard/Reserve G.I. Bill Parity Act (aligning GI Bill eligibility for National Guard members and Reservists with active-duty service members), Veterans Prosthetics Advancement and Reform Act (improving prosthetic care at VA facilities), and Fisher House Availability Act (expanding temporary lodging access at VA Fisher Houses).
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee has contributed to social progress by improving access to VA health care and aiding veterans' transitions to civilian life according to the official website. The committee maintains offices in the U.S. Capitol complex according to its official website.
As part of the United States Senate, the committee collaborates with entities like the Department of Veterans Affairs according to its official website. It oversees benefits, health care programs, and related initiatives supporting veterans nationwide according to its official website. Moran serves as chairman with Richard Blumenthal as ranking member according to its official website. The committee exercises jurisdiction over veterans' programs throughout the United States according to its official website.
Looking ahead, these bills will move forward for consideration by the full Senate.
