Blumenthal Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Extend Critical VA Programs

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, applauded Senate passage of the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2016. The measure – which was passed by the House of Representatives earlier this month – was approved by the Senate last night by a vote of 89-0, and will now go to the President’s desk for his signature.

“I thank my colleagues for what I expect to be an overwhelmingly positive vote to affirm our commitment to the veterans of America that neither the dysfunction or distraction of what’s happening during this season of elections will prevent us from keeping the lights on in the Veterans Affairs Department,” Blumenthal said on the Senate Floor before the vote. “As its name implies, this measure would maintain twenty-seven vital ongoing programs and services that the VA provides through the next year.”

“I’m pleased we can vote on this measure tonight and send it to the President’s desk for signature, but the simple stark fact is this bill is simply a down payment – a small step in the direction that we must move to honor all who have served.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act authorizes services at VA for the next fiscal year, ensuring that veterans will continue to receive health care and benefits. The legislation authorizes an increase in the existing VA caregivers program of $10 million, as well as grants programs that assist homeless veterans and provides them support services.

The legislation also includes a time-sensitive provision that grants the Secretary of the Veterans Administration the authority to provisionally approve programs for GI Bill use in the event that the program suddenly loses its accreditation – a situation that may occur at the end of the month when the Department of Education is expected to withdraw recognition of the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools. This provision will allow tens of thousands of veterans who would otherwise lose their tuition and housing benefits overnight to continue their education while they work to transition to another program. On the Senate Floor, Blumenthal heralded this provision: “Without this provision becoming law now, veterans who attend those schools like ITT may find themselves in a similar, untenable,  unacceptable, unfair, situation. They lose educational benefits, and equally troubling -- benefits for their housing and food allowances -- that they so critically need.”

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