Open Letter to the United States House of Representatives

June 10, 2024

Subject: Urgent Call for Immediate Passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 8371)

Dear Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader Scalise, and Minority Leader Jeffries,

We are the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellows, a diverse group of individuals who dedicate our lives to caring for America’s wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers and veterans. We are not politicians; we are spouses, children, parents, and loved ones providing around-the-clock care to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Today, we write to you with an urgent plea to pass the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act.

A Lifeline for Veterans and Their Families

This legislation is not just another bill; it is a comprehensive package that addresses critical gaps in the care and support systems for veterans and their families. It promises to bring immediate and lasting improvements to our lives. Here’s how:

1. Enhanced Community Care Access:

Veterans will gain timely and local access to healthcare providers, reducing the need for long-distance travel. This change is crucial for those with mobility issues or chronic conditions and will alleviate the stress and physical burden on our veterans.

2. Support for Home and Community-Based Services:

Increasing expenditure caps for noninstitutional care and improving coordination with the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) will promote more options for long-term care, ensuring veterans can receive the care they need in their own homes.

3. Authority to Award Grants for Mental Health Support to Family Caregivers:

Providing grants for mental health support will help caregivers cope with the emotional and psychological stress of caregiving, maintaining our mental health and the quality of care we provide.

4. Recognition and Assistance Programs:

Recognizing organizations and individuals assisting veterans, family members, and caregivers in navigating programs and services will ensure better access to available resources.

5. Veteran Directed Care:

Mandates the expansion of the Veteran Directed Care program to all VA medical centers, ensuring comprehensive staffing and accessibility. This program grants veterans autonomy to manage their care, giving them the ability to customize services to meet their specific needs and significantly improving the overall quality of life for themselves and their caregivers.

Call to Honor Our Commitment

We, the Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellows, embody the resilience, dedication, and love that underpin the care of our nation’s heroes. We are the true experts, living these challenges every day. Our veterans rely on us, and in turn, we rely on your leadership and decisive action.

Passing this act is not merely a legislative victory—it is a profound affirmation of our nation’s commitment to those who have sacrificed so much. It is a testament to our collective resolve to honor their service with the care and support they deserve.

Please, let us unite in this noble cause. Prioritize the immediate passage of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. Our veterans, their caregivers, and their families are counting on you.

Thank you for your compassion, your dedication, and your swift action.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellows

Betsy Eves
Virginia

Joseph E Narvaez Jr.
Florida

Cynthia L Collins-Clark
Oklahoma

Kimberly Perez
Texas

Cori Lee Marrero
Texas

Michele Hopkins
Georgia

Debra H. Schulz
Texas

Ida Jean Carson
Ohio

Marjorie Pennington
Maine