Congressman Mike Michaud, Ranking Member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health, applauded Senate action on his legislation that would ensure that Maine’s severely disabled and elderly veterans are able to get the care they need at Maine’s state veterans homes. His legislation has been included in the fiscal year 2013 Military-Construction Veterans appropriations bill.

“I am pleased that the Senate included my bill in the Military-Construction Veterans Appropriations bill,” said Michaud. “But I remain convinced that the quickest way to fix this serious problem is for the Senate to take action on the House-passed bill and send it to the President’s desk as quickly as possible.”

Michaud’s bill requires the VA to enter into contracts with state veterans homes in order to reimburse them for the actual cost of the care they provide. His legislation passed the House by unanimous consent last October and has been waiting for Senate consideration ever since.

“Our severely disabled and elderly veterans deserve access to the best possible care and Congress cannot wait any longer to address the shortfalls our state veterans homes are facing,” said Michaud. “I am grateful for Sen. Patty Murray’s collaboration and leadership on this issue and I look forward to continuing to work with her to ensure that this issue is resolved before the end of the year.”