VA & Illegal Immigration
House Passes Bill for Caregiver Mental Healthcare
House Passes Veteran Homelessness Bill

YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SUPPORT THE 2024 FRA CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION!

Shipmates,

I’m excited to offer you an opportunity to be part of this fundraising event supporting FRA’s 2024 Centennial Celebration.

The Centennial Calendar Set includes a monthly planner embossed with the FRA centennial logo, plus a pocket calendar displaying the nation’s greatest symbol of freedom – The American Eagle.

You might consider ordering extra sets to use as part of a local recruiting campaign or to give to family and friends.

Additionally, please consider including a separate donation that will be used exclusively to make our Centennial Celebration a true “once-in-a-lifetime” occasion.

The order form can be found HERE.

We look forward to celebrating this special day with you on November 11, 2024.

Yours in Loyalty, Protection and Service

Phillip Reid, National Executive Director and Advisor to the 2024 Centennial Committee

VA & Illegal Immigration

The FRA has received some inquiries from members regarding reports that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) resources are being used for illegal immigrants. There has been a long-standing agreement since 2002 between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the VA to process claims for migrant medical care. When an illegal immigrant under ICE detention requires healthcare, they are usually treated on-site by ICE medical staff. However, if specialist or emergency care is required, they may be transported to an independent private provider. There are no illegal immigrants in any VA facility. ICE contracts with the VA’s Financial Service Center (VA-FSC) to process reimbursements to those independent healthcare providers. ICE’s Health Service Corps (IHSC) reimburses providers at Medicare rates. IHSC uses the VA-FSC’s Healthcare Claims Processing System — a portal that allows providers to submit and view claims and access other resources. VA has assured us that any cost for using the VA-FSC’s Healthcare Claims Processing System is paid for by ICE. VA does not pay for or provide any illegal immigrants with healthcare.

House Passes Bill for Caregiver Mental Healthcare

The House recently passed the “Caregiver Outreach and Program Enhancement Act” (COPE-H.R. 3581), sponsored by House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations Chairwoman Rep. Jen Kiggans (Va.). This bill will create a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) grant program that would help veteran caregivers seek the mental health care they need without fear of reducing access for veterans or concerns about the stigma of mental health. “Improving the lives of our nation’s heroes is one of my top priorities in Congress,” said Rep. Kiggans. “With the passage of my COPE Act today, we are taking several steps to ensure our veterans are receiving the quality healthcare they have earned and deserve in a safe environment. As the granddaughter of a veteran, the daughter of a veteran, the wife of a veteran, the mother of future veterans, and having served 10 years in the Navy as a helicopter pilot, I will always fight to provide our former servicemembers with a VA care system they can depend on…I look forward to getting it across the finish line!”

The bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration. Members can use the FRA Action Center to weigh in on this issue at: https://www.votervoice.net/FRA/Campaigns/110014/Respond

House Passes Veteran Homelessness Bill

The House passed (408-10) the “Housing our Military Veterans Effectively Act” (HOME Act-H.R. 3848) sponsored by Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR) to help lift veterans out of homelessness. “Our veterans stepped up to serve our country, and it’s our responsibility to care for them in return. By supporting transitional housing services and creating a stipend for necessities, the HOME Act will provide much-needed assistance to veterans in need,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “Now that this bill has passed the House, we are one step closer to ensuring every veteran has a place to call home. I hope my colleagues in the Senate will take up this commonsense legislation quickly to help our nation’s heroes.”

The HOME Act would increase the per diem rate the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays nonprofit organizations that assist veterans with short-term transitional housing, such as the Salvation Army. The per diem rate would also continue to adjust for inflation every year. The HOME Act also creates a stipend that veterans experiencing homelessness can use to purchase necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, and hygiene items; transportation services; or communications equipment such as smartphones, so the veterans can maintain contact with health care providers, prospective landlords, and family members.

Veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838), or find resources provided by the VA by visiting va.gov/homeless.

The legislation goes to the Senate for further consideration. Members can weigh in on this legislation through the FRA Action Center at: https://www.votervoice.net/FRA/Campaigns/110027/Respond