Dear Friend,
We’ve been hard at work securing funding for veteran benefits in Congress. These men and women made sacrifices for the security of our nation and deserve strong compensation. Here’s an overview:
Honoring our PACT Act
Congress promised our service members and their families that we will take care of them. President Biden signed into law, the historic Sergeant First Class Health Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022. This comprehensive legislative package will expand healthcare to over 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic substances during their military service. This is the first time in history that those suffering from exposure to burn pits and airborne hazards will receive healthcare benefits from the VA.
I am proud to have co-sponsored this legislation so that millions of American veterans will finally have access to the care and benefits they’ve earned and rightfully deserve. Learn more about the legislation here.
Expanding Mental Health Services
Strengthening mental health services for veterans remains a top priority of mine. That is why I co-sponsored three critical healthcare bills, including:
- H.R. 6411 – STRONG Veterans Act, provides more mental health services and resources to veterans through VA medical facilities. (currently awaiting action in the Senate)
Funding for veterans
I supported expanding funding to help veterans in the 2023 Fiscal Year Budget, including:
- Providing $118.8 billion for Veterans Medical Care to meet veterans' comprehensive health care needs, such as mental health, suicide prevention, and substance use disorder services like opioid abuse prevention. An increase of $21.8 billion above 2022 and an additional $66 million from the requested budget.
- Investing $16.2 billion in additional VA programs, including support for the Veterans Benefits Administration, medical and prosthetic research, construction programs, and the VA electronic health record system. An increase of $1.4 billion from the 2022 budget.
- Providing $55 million to support the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program to expand rental assistance, improve housing affordability and help homeless veterans.
Help with a Federal Agency
Do you need help cutting through the red tape of your benefits claim with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs? Need help getting a copy of your DD214 or medals owed to you from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC)?
My offices in Fresno or Merced may be able to help. Residents of the 16th Congressional District of California can call or email us for assistance in dealing with federal agencies. Learn more about seeking help with a federal agency.
Always remember that my staff and I are here to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you need assistance.
Sincerely,
Jim Costa Member of Congress
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