Help for Veterans in the American Rescue Plan
Dear Friend,
Veterans have faced unique challenges during the pandemic and economic crisis. Through my new role as chairman of the Military Construction (MILCON), Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I am focused on delivering all the resources and funding the VA needs to deliver world class care and keep America's promise to our service members, combat veterans, and their families.
The American Rescue Plan, passed by Democrats in Congress and signed into law by President Biden earlier this month, will provide billions of dollars in emergency funding for the VA Health Administration to deliver health care to veterans who may have delayed care or more complex health care needs as a result of the pandemic. The funding will also go towards COVID-19 related care, improving telehealth services for rural veterans, and supercharging our vaccine distribution campaign for veterans. I also fought to include $1 billion in new funds for debt forgiveness for copayments and other cost sharing that veterans use to pay for VA health care.
The rescue package also provides support for veterans experiencing unemployment and homelessness. That includes $386 million to create a COVID-19 Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program that will provide up to 12 months of training and employment assistance for unemployed veterans to enter high demand jobs. There is $262 million directed toward substantially reducing the backlog of compensation and pension claims in the Veterans Benefits Administration. Finally, there will be new support for programs that assist veterans experiencing homelessness and construction grants for state homes to improve the living conditions of our most vulnerable veterans.
My office has helped hundreds of veterans across New Mexico access their care and benefits. If you or a family member is having trouble filing a claim with the VA, receiving benefits, accessing health benefits or military records, replacing medals, or other veterans issues, you can contact my office by calling (505) 346-6601 or by visiting the Veterans Resources Center on my website.
Sincerely,
MARTIN HEINRICH
United States Senator
