[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 113 (Thursday, July 10, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S6556]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          120 YEAR PARTNERSHIP

 Mr. SUNUNU. Mr. President, today I recognize the 120th 
anniversary of State veterans' homes, SVHs.
  Following the Civil War, a large number of newly disabled veterans 
struggled to earn a living as they adjusted back to civilian life. 
While the Federal Government operated national homes for qualifying 
Union volunteer soldiers, the total number of veterans in need of care 
was overwhelming.
  In order to meet this need, a number of States independently opened 
SVHs to care for those injured in service to their country. The first 
such home opened in Rocky Hill, CT, in 1864.
  In August 1888, aware it had a responsibility to assist those who had 
so diligently and honorably served their country, Congress pledged 
Federal funding to assist with the operation of existing and future 
SVHs. This original $250,000 appropriation provided States with $100 
per eligible veteran enrolled in an SVH to assist in providing needed 
support to those who could no longer care for themselves.
  Over time, as the number of veterans requiring care increased, the 
Federal Government responded by providing the States with added 
assistance. With the establishment of the Veterans' Administration, VA, 
in 1930, SVHs were expanded to include three levels of care, and in 
1960, Congress established a per diem payment system to replace the 
annual appropriation and better reflect the funding needs of the 
Nation's SVHs. Finally, in 1964, Congress initiated the State Home 
Construction Grant Program, which provided further Federal assistance 
and created the opportunity for a dramatic increase in the quantity and 
quality of SVHs.
  During this time, the National Association of State Veterans Homes, 
NASVH, was founded to promote legislation at the national level and 
increase communication among the Nation's SVHs. In partnership with the 
VA, the NASVH continues to advocate in support of the country's needy 
veterans and has been instrumental in increasing per diem and other 
funding rates.
  Today, 120 years since the original appropriation, this State and 
Federal partnership has flourished. Currently, SVHs serve as one of the 
country's largest long-term care providers--offering approximately 
30,000 total beds at more than 130 SVHs nationwide. In a typical year, 
State veterans homes will furnish nearly 7 million days of nursing home 
care and about 1.5 million days of domiciliary care.
  In New Hampshire, veterans receive the highest quality of care under 
the watchful eye of Commandant Barry Conway and his extremely capable 
staff in Tilton. It is because of these dedicated men and women in New 
Hampshire and around the country that our elder veteran community 
receives the care they have earned and deserve.

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