[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 24, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H1857]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      VETERANS MEDICAL ACCESS ACT

  (Ms. BROWNLEY of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, as Members of Congress, we 
have a responsibility to serve our veterans as well as they have served 
us and our country. That means a lifelong commitment to their health 
and well-being.
  Veterans who are severely disabled or blinded after they return home 
are eligible for medical care at VA specialty rehabilitation clinics, 
where we can improve their quality of life and independence; but, too 
often, veterans cannot afford the cost of the trip.
  The Blinded Veterans Association of America estimates that, even 
though these VA clinics have long wait lists, one of four beds is empty 
because veterans who need care cannot afford to pay for transportation 
for their care.
  That is why I have introduced the Veterans Medical Access Act, 
legislation to reimburse blinded and severely disabled veterans for 
travel expenses in Ventura County and across the country so they can 
access the lifesaving and life-changing care they need.
  I hope that my colleagues will join me in support of this critical 
legislation.

                          ____________________