This week, the House turned its focus to funding our number one priority—protecting national security. Thursday, the House passed H.R. 3219, the Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018. This legislation, also known as the security ‘minibus,’ advances the provisions of four bills passed by the House Appropriations Committee to fund the Department of Defense, military construction, Department of Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and a barrier along our southern border.
Restoring American safety means supporting our troops who bravely defend our country. H.R. 3219 fully funds the authorized and much needed pay raise for our service members—the largest increase in eight years. It also provides necessary funding to rebuild our military and ensure that our troops are kept safe and equipped with the best defense technology. Additionally, it provides the highest level of funding ever for the Department of Veterans Affairs to support the seven million patients who rely on the VA for mental health care services, suicide prevention, traumatic brain injury treatment, opioid abuse prevention, and homeless veteran services.
This spending bill also takes America another step closer to energy independence and supports job creation at home by investing in the Department of Energy programs that reduce our dependence on foreign oil and make greater use of our natural energy resources.
Expanding Veterans’ Education Opportunities
On Monday, the House passed eight bills to continue improving the institutions upon which our veterans and their families rely for the care and support they need and deserve for the immense sacrifices they have made for our country. Among these bills was H.R. 3218, the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, which enhances the GI bill to reflect innovation in education. It is crucial to provide our veterans with access to educational opportunities and skills-focused development programs that equip them for competitive, in-demand jobs in the fields of science and technology. H.R. 3218 broadens the scope of GI bill education benefits to include a greater variety of education programs for veterans, their surviving spouses, and dependents. Also, for the first time in the history of the GI Bill, new service members will be able to use the education benefits throughout their lifetimes rather than facing ineligibility after just 15 years.
Modernizing Medicare
On Tuesday, the House passed H.R. 3178, the Medicare Part B Improvement Act, which makes modern improvements to Medicare for Americans who rely on this program for high-quality health care. This legislation expands access to care, improves efficiency in delivery, and makes common sense reforms to ease administrative burdens on health care providers so they can spend less time on paperwork and more time with patients.
Additionally, H.R. 3178 delivers on the promise of more options for health care by removing several barriers to accessing home care. This legislation ensures there are no gaps in care for recipients of infusion home therapies by creating a temporary transition payment option. It also expands telehealth technologies for dialysis patients and extends the ongoing intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) demonstration that allows Medicare beneficiaries with weakened immune systems to receive care in the comfort and convenience of their homes.
Veterans Information Session
On Friday, August 11, I will host an information session for veterans from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the National Guard Armory, 274 Hunting Hills Lane, Boone NC 28607. Representatives from nonprofit organizations and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be on hand to answer questions from veterans and their families as well as provide information and guidance regarding obtaining available benefits.
The entire nation owes our military personnel and veterans a huge debt of gratitude, and ensuring that debt is properly repaid is one of my top priorities in Congress. It is always an honor to assist veterans from the 5th District in any way possible, and I hope they find this event informative and beneficial.
Carolinians in the Capitol
Over the last couple weeks, I met with a variety of individuals from North Carolina, including the North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness, the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias, Christians United for Israel, Robert and Zenda Cloninger, State Senator Deanna Ballard, Human Rights champion Tiffany Barrans, Robert Andrew Parish, Helen Holzwarth of Herbalife Nutrition, Ron Joyce of Joyce Farms, Olivia Koscso, Logan Beyer, Carolina Farm Credit, and East Wilkes High School teacher Matthew Greene & FFA student leader Easton Wagoner.
What’s Coming Up?
Next month the House will hold a district work period. I look forward to traveling around North Carolina’s 5th District and hearing from you.
Sincerely,
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