Deliver for Veterans Act

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 877) to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand the authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide or assist in providing a vehicle adapted for operation by a disabled individual to certain eligible persons, by paying expenses associated with the delivery of such vehicle, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 877, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 877, as amended, offered by my friend and colleague, the delegate from Guam (Mr. Moylan).

H.R. 877, as amended, would allow the VA to pay for the shipping price of specially adapted vehicles for disabled veterans. Currently, service-connected disabled veterans who are unable to drive due to their disability can work with the VA to get a vehicle that is adapted for their use.

This is an important program and helps disabled veterans in their daily lives by allowing them to drive to medical appointments, to the grocery store, and to work. Unfortunately, shipping costs are not currently covered, creating a financial burden on veterans who want to make their lives better.

While this might not be an issue for some veterans, other veterans are unable to get a vehicle adapted for them because there are no resources capable of making the vital modifications nearby.

Delegate Moylan's bill would correct this issue by including shipping costs in the $24,000 the VA provides to support veterans who are having trouble accessing the resources they need for any adapted vehicle.

In a time when bureaucracy is getting in the way of doing what is best for our veterans, Congress must intervene to eliminate the red tape and provide the necessary assistance our veterans deserve.

This bill would do just that and would save hundreds of dollars for disabled veterans across the country. It would also ensure that the disabled veterans have the ability to get to a job and earn money to support themselves and their families.

I thank the DAV and the VFW for supporting this bill last Congress and for their tireless work on the Hill advocating for this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 877, as amended, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the delegate from Guam (Mr. Moylan).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my support for H.R. 877, the Deliver for Veterans Act. This bill would make it easier for disabled veterans to obtain the adaptive automobiles they are entitled to through their service-connected disability. If signed into law, this bill could save veterans tens of thousands of dollars on shipping costs of vehicles.

Two Congresses ago, we passed the Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act, a bill authored by Ranking Member Mike Levin and Representative Lizzie Fletcher, which expanded the adaptive auto benefit for veterans, allowing them to get a new vehicle if 10 years have passed since last using the benefit.

This bill from Representative Moylan builds upon that work by simplifying the process for veterans who require their adaptive vehicle to be shipped. This includes veterans who live in areas such as Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Again, I support the substance of this bill, but I think we should have a very serious conversation about the majority's choice to perpetuate cutting veterans' pensions. I believe that we should include this item in any negotiations with the Senate before this bill becomes law.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 877, the Deliver for Veterans Act, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of my bill, H.R. 877, the Deliver for Veterans Act, a critical piece of legislation addressing challenges faced by veterans in remote areas, including Guam.

As the Representative of a region where the unavailability of adaptive vehicles poses a significant barrier to our veterans, I urge my colleagues to support this essential measure.

Veterans in remote districts across our Nation face immense challenges because of the lack of access to adaptive vehicles. These vehicles are essential for veterans with disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Unfortunately, the high cost of shipping to remote areas has created an insurmountable obstacle for many of our veterans. They are forced to cover the expensive shipping fee, a cost that should not be borne by those who have already sacrificed so much for our country.

Whether it is for medical appointments, running errands, or simply visiting family and friends, adaptive vehicles are a lifeline for veterans in Guam. H.R. 877 will provide much-needed relief to our veterans, ensuring that they can access the support and services they rightfully deserve without facing financial hardships.

Let us stand together in solidarity with our veterans in Guam and all areas around the world and ensure that they receive the support they need and deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I implore each and every one of my esteemed colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 877, the Deliver for Veterans Act.