House lawmakers on Monday advanced plans to overhaul veterans’ medical options outside the department’s health care system , including expanded in-home care for aging veterans and providing mental health care for their caregivers.
The overwhelming bipartisan vote — 389-9 — comes after months of behind-the-scenes wrangling surrounding the legislation, expected to cost as much as $2 billion over the next decade. The Senate is expected to take up the issue in the next few weeks, potentially putting in place a series of sweeping veterans policy changes at the start of the new year.
Veterans advocates praised the House action and called on the Senate to move quickly on the issue.
“This bill includes a number of critical provisions that will expand the quality of care that veterans receive, increase support for caregivers, improve the functioning of the VA, and much more,” American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. said. “We are excited to see this package make it to the finish line in the House.”