Mariannette Miller-Meeks: Veterans Day: Honoring Valiant Service
Veterans Day is a time when the nation comes together to pay tribute to the men and women who have selflessly served in the United States military. It is a day dedicated to honoring their valor, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication to safeguarding our freedom and security.
In Iowa, we are doing our part, daily, to ensure that veterans are able to have a smooth re-entry into society and that they receive premier care with programs like Home Base Iowa and the opening of the new Iowa City VA Clinic in Coralville, Iowa.
Home Base Iowa is an initiative that connects businesses in Iowa with veterans and military spouses looking for career opportunities and it was instituted under the leadership of former Governor Terry Branstad during my time as Director of Public Health. The program is still helping our veterans and their spouses find work to this day.
Another way that Iowa is leading in caring for our veterans is through innovative healthcare services.
Over the summer, the new Iowa City Veteran Affairs (VA) Health Care System in Coralville, Iowa opened its doors to serve our veterans. The new larger clinic utilizes the PACT model and is helpful for our veterans. The lay out ensures that care teams can work collaboratively as they coordinate patient care. The new clinic provides an additional 10,000 square feet, expands access for local veterans, and offers specialized services which further exemplifies the Iowa City VA’s dedication to prime veteran care in our community.
In Congress, House Republicans are on a mission to support our veterans. This year, we passed the FY24 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, legislation to fully fund veterans’ healthcare programs, benefits, and VA programs, including the electronic health record modernization initiative.
Additionally, House Republicans supported the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes a 5.2 percent increase in servicemember pay – the most significant pay raise in over two decades. The NDAA also helps lower housing, healthcare, and childcare costs for our military families.
As the Chairwoman of the Health Subcommittee of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, I’ve worked tirelessly with my colleagues to take a comprehensive approach when addressing various shortfalls of the current system. Earlier this year, I hosted a roundtable with the VA, veterans, and industry leaders to discuss how MDMA-assisted therapy can be utilized to treat PTSD for servicemembers. Real-world data shows how effective MDMA-assisted therapy can be, and it is my goal to ensure that the VA is aware of options with the highest clinical benefit.
I also sponsored the Veteran Care Improvement Act, legislation that aims to expand VA care at home. This legislation would codify current community care access standards, setting a baseline expectation for timeliness of care. It would also establish a defined access standard for the provision of residential substance abuse treatment, recognizing that when a veteran decides that help is needed, time is of the essence. Lastly, it requires the VA to be more transparent with veterans when they are deciding their best options for care, whether in the VA or in the Community.
As we continue to work to pass legislation to improve the quality of life for our servicemembers and break down the barriers that prevent our veterans from getting the benefits they deserve, we must remember to never take our servicemember’s sacrifices for granted.
On Veterans Day, as we pause and remember the dedicated service of our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, Guardians, and Coast Guardsmen, let us never forget their valiant service and let us never stop fighting to safeguard their benefits and care.
