This week, U.S. Reps. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., and Josh Harder, D-Calif., showcased the “Improving Housing Outcomes for Veterans Act.”
Harder introduced the bill last week, which “targets the epidemic of veteran homelessness by working to reduce delays and streamline communication between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).” Donalds is co-sponsoring the bill.
The two congressmen weighed in on the bill this week.
“It is an absolute tragedy and dereliction of duty that we have veterans sleeping on the streets in San Joaquin County. If you fought for our country overseas, you should never have to fight to survive here at home. My bill tells federal agencies to get their acts together, coordinate resources, and get this fixed now,” said Harder.
“The struggle for far too many of our brave servicemen and women doesn’t stop once they leave the battlefield. Those willing to put their lives on the line to protect and defend this great country must not be forgotten, especially in their hour of need. That’s why I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation which helps ensure our government is working for those who fought for it,” said Donalds.
The bill “improves coordination and data sharing between HUD and VA to better serve homeless veterans; requires the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) to provide medical center staff and homelessness service providers with best practices for collaboration on activities under HUD’s Coordinated Entry program;” and “requires the VHA to communicate with VA employees who have a role in homelessness assistance programs to ensure the best outcomes possible.”
Harder’s bill was sent to the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee. So far, there is no companion bill in the U.S. Senate.
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