[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 14 (Thursday, January 23, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H348-H349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IMPROVING CARE OF VETERANS IN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES

  (Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, as the only geriatric nurse 
practitioner in Congress, I have seen firsthand the way in which our 
older veterans, especially those who require care in nursing homes, 
experience poor health outcomes because of a lack of advocacy in 
government.
  The Department of Veterans Affairs regularly convenes a Geriatrics 
and

[[Page H349]]

Gerontology Advisory Committee to collaborate on strategies to better 
help seniors who have served our country age with grace and dignity.
  However, advocates for those living in State veterans homes and those 
who provide nursing home domiciliary and adult care for our veterans 
are left completely out of the conversation. That is unacceptable and 
harmful to the long-term health of our veterans.
  That is why I am introducing the Representing Our Seniors at VA Act 
to reform the VA's advisory committee and ensure a representative from 
the National Association of State Veterans Homes is included.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join 
me in this effort so we can improve the quality of care for our 
Greatest Generation living in assisted living facilities.

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