Congress passes landmark veteran's legislation with key reforms for caregivers
For Immediate Release
Tessa Miller
tessa@elizabethdolefoundation.org
(202) 249-7177
Washington, D.C. (December 17, 2024) — The Elizabeth Dole Foundation celebrates the milestone passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act by the U.S. Congress. For almost 2 years, the Foundation has worked with a coalition of organizations advancing this bi-partisan package of legislation that will have life-changing outcomes for those who served and their families, survivors, and caregivers.
"Today, our leaders in Congress proved that American can still come together and stand with those who served our nation and their families,” said Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. “Not only was this bill passed with broad bipartisan support, but it is also the most comprehensive package of veterans’ legislation passed by this Congress, containing substantive, wide-reaching benefits and reforms that will be transformative for the broader veterans’ community and will be instrumental in helping our nation’s military and veteran caregivers thrive.”
The Foundation ensured that caregivers and their families were prioritized within the legislation, which includes more than 90 sections addressing such critical issues as long-term care, mental health resources, education, job training, VA modernization and many more. The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, a bill within the larger package, will give severely ill and aging veterans the choice to convalesce at home by providing their caregivers more increased access to support services.
“I am truly honored that this legislation bears my name, though I am even more grateful for the valuable measures it will bring to those who served our nation and their caregivers,” said Senator Elizabeth Dole. “The resources, reforms, and improvements contained in this legislation are precisely the types of advancements that only Congress can provide, and I applaud the Members and their staff who never wavered in their determination to get this bill to the President’s desk.”
“I want to thank my friend, Senator Elizabeth Dole, and the entire team at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation for working with me and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this landmark bill over the finish line,” said House Veteran Affairs’ Committee Chairman Bost. “I know that the bipartisan Dole Act will have a positive impact on thousands of veterans and their families by expanding economic opportunities, simplifying the disability claims process, reforming services for aging veterans, opening more doors for mental health support, and a lot more – and we got it done. I look forward to seeing President Biden sign this good bill into law as soon as possible.”
“This package achieves progress on many of the goals that Veteran Service Organizations and veterans set out to accomplish at the beginning of this Congress and includes many commonsense Democratic bills, like Representative Brownley’s Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act,” said House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano. “I am glad to support this legislation in the House and finally get it to President Biden’s desk.”
"Over the past few years, we've come together to do right by veterans with historic legislative achievements like the PACT Act, but there's still work to be done to fully honor our nation's commitment to these men and women and their families," said Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Tester. "That's why I'm proud to have worked on this bipartisan and bicameral effort to enhance job training and employment opportunities for veterans; bolster their access to care; expand their home and community-based long-term care options; provide critical assistance for homeless veterans; support veterans' family caregivers; and improve the ability of Native American veterans to achieve homeownership. This legislation delivers for our veterans and their families, and I look forward to it being signed into law."
“It is fitting that this important legislation is named after an honorary Kansan and dear friend, Senator Elizabeth Dole, who is a lifelong advocate for veterans and their caregivers,” said Sen. Moran. “The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act will better support veterans, caregivers and survivors by improving access to VA health care and benefits, expanding long-term care programs, strengthening programs for student veterans and military family members and more. I appreciate the veterans, caregivers, survivors, veterans service organizations and advocates who shared their experiences with me and contributed important legislative ideas to improve the lives of veterans in Kansas and across the country through this legislation.”
The legislative package will enhance access to vital mental health programs, while honoring veterans’ choices for community care. Provisions will also support surviving families with expanded education benefits and remove barriers for surviving spouses. Additionally, the bill will combat veteran homelessness through increased funding for housing, transportation, and caregiver support.
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation has been working with a dedicated coalition of partners to deliver the promises of this bill, and thanks each of them for their collaboration and determination, including Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), The American Legion, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), DAV (Disabled American Veterans), AARP, Program for all Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), I AM ALS, and The ALS Association.
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About the Elizabeth Dole Foundation
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation is the preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring our nation’s 14.3 million military and veteran caregivers – the spouses, parents, family members, and friends — who care for America’s wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans at home. Founded by Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2012, the Foundation adopts a comprehensive approach in its support and advocacy, working with leaders in the public, private, nonprofit, and faith communities to recognize military caregivers’ service and support their well-being. The Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and provides a network for military caregivers to connect with their peers and access carefully vetted resources. Visit elizabethdolefoundation.org for more information.