]

Dear Neighbor,

Last month, Hurricanes Helene and Milton challenged our district and our constituents living along the coast. Our primary focus before the storm was to get the word out to our neighbors about available resources. 

As with Governor DeSantis, we don't wait on the government to respond. We collaborate closely with our state and local partners to make sure we can begin the recovery process as soon as the storm passes. We would appreciate your feedback on how we met your needs during these storms. If you have thoughts or feedback to share, reach out to us in Gainesville at (352) 505-0838. 

Additionally, I would be remiss if I didn't point out the deep respect I have for you and your service to our country. As you have heard me say in the past, I love the stories veterans share with me. Some are heartbreaking, while others are uplifting and remind us to put our best foot forward for our nation.

On Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, we need to preserve the historical significance of the date and focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day—a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the United States. We vow to keep this special day alive. 

With all that's happening this Congress, it is my greatest honor to represent you and hear from you about the issues that matter most. You can read below about what we've been up to this week, and as always, you can stay up to date with us here, on our website, and on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

For the Republic,

Congresswoman Kat Cammack                                                                                Proudly Representing Florida's Third Congressional District

Emergency Medical Care Coverage

If you're experiencing a medical emergency, you shouldn't hesitate to get emergency care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room quickly. A medical emergency is an injury, illness, or symptom so severe that without immediate treatment, you believe your life or health is in danger.

Promptly notifying VA allows them to coordinate care or transfer to a VA medical facility, if necessary. It helps VA check if the requirements for them to pay for the care are met and may impact a veteran's eligibility for coverage.

Payment by VA is limited to the time of stabilization except when both of these are true:

• VA is contacted upon stabilization but can’t accept the transfer of the veteran, and
• The community care facility made and documented reasonable attempts to transfer the veteran to the VA or other facility

How Laws Are Made

Laws begin as ideas from the grassroots. First, a representative sponsors a bill. The bill is then assigned to a committee for study. If released by the committee, the bill is put on a calendar to be voted on, debated, or amended. If the bill passes by simple majority (218 of 435), the bill moves to the Senate. In the Senate, the bill is assigned to another committee and, if released, debated and voted on. 

Again, a simple majority (51 of 100) passes the bill. Finally, a conference committee made of House and Senate members works out any differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The resulting bill returns to the House and Senate for final approval. The Government Publishing Office (GPO) prints the revised bill in a process called enrolling. The President has 10 days to sign or veto the enrolled bill.

Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System

There is a new check-in process and travel claim integration with e-check in the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS). This new process will ensure payment within 7 business days. There will be no more paper travel claims. All veterans are being encouraged to use this new process or to visit the Travel Office for help setting up their use of the system. 

My HealtheVet Changes

My HealtheVet is moving to just two sign-in options (Login.gov and ID.me). The platform will also require multi-factor authentication (MFA) as an added layer of protection for your account. This will reduce the number of sign-in options veterans need to choose from and will protect all veterans' information and benefits.

We encourage you to create your Login.gov or ID.me account soon so you're ready for this change.

Honoring Alan Turner In Lake City

Alan Turner, Utilities Maintenance Superintendent at the Robert H. Jenkins Jr. Veterans' Domiciliary Home in Lake City, was honored by the Florida Health Care Association for his 35 years of faithful and dedicated service at the 150-bed facility. This took place during National Assisted Living Week. Thanks for all of your work, Alan! 

VA Standards of Conduct

Charging a fee or accepting a gift on an initial claim—including charging for assistance with gathering necessary documents and filling out forms—is a violation of the VA Standards of Conduct, 38 C.F.R. § 14.632(c)(5) and (6), and grounds for cancellation of VA accreditation. If you believe you've been party to a violation, give us a call in Gainesville at (352) 505-0838 and ask for Dave. 

Scheduling Virtual Appointments

Veterans wishing to discuss disability compensation claims and appeals may schedule a virtual appointment by visiting this site. Virtual appointments are easy to schedule and can increase your convenience when dealing with the VA. 

Unsubscribe