Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jake Ellzey proudly announces his co-sponsorship of a comprehensive legislative package aimed at enhancing support for our nation’s veterans.

The package includes: the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, the HOME Act, VA Community Care Program enhancements, Revised EHR Reset Act, Extension of the VET-TEC education program, Modernization of USERRA protections, Streamlining of the G.I. Bill for schools and students, Establishment of a county veteran service officer grant program for states and Indian Tribes, and Improvement of the disability claims process. Also included is Gerald’s Law (H.R. 234), led by Rep. Jack Bergman of Michigan, of which Mr. Elley is an original cosponsor. These bills represent a significant step forward in our commitment to honoring and supporting those who have served our country.

As a proud veteran of the United States Navy, Congressman Ellzey understands firsthand the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women and the challenges they often face when transitioning back to civilian life. That's why he is honored to support this comprehensive legislative package, which addresses critical issues facing veterans across the nation.

Key components of the package include:

  • The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act: This act recognizes the vital role of caregivers in the lives of veterans and provides support and resources for those caring for wounded, ill, or injured veterans at home.
  • Gerald’s Law: Closes a loophole that currently denies certain terminally ill veterans their VA burial allowance if they do not pass away at a VA facility.
  • The HOME Act: This legislation aims to ensure that veterans experiencing homelessness have access to safe and stable housing, along with the support services they need to rebuild their lives.
  • VA Community Care Program Enhancements: This bill seeks to address long-standing challenges within the VA healthcare system by improving veterans' access to healthcare services in their communities.
  • Revised EHR Reset Act: This act aims to modernize the VA's electronic health record system, ensuring that veterans receive the highest quality of care through streamlined and efficient record-keeping processes.
  • Extension of the VET-TEC Education Program: This program invests in the education and training of veterans and helps to prepare them for successful civilian careers in high-demand fields.
  • Modernization of USERRA Protections: This bill strengthens protections for servicemembers' civilian employment rights and ensures that veterans are not penalized for their military service.
  • Streamlining the G.I. Bill for Schools and Students: This legislation cuts through bureaucratic red tape to make it easier for schools and students to navigate the G.I. Bill, ensuring that veterans receive the educational benefits they have earned.
  • Establishment of a County Veteran Service Officer Grant Program: This program provides resources to states and Indian Tribes to support local veteran service officers in their efforts to assist veterans with accessing benefits and services.
  • Improvement of the Disability Claims Process: By streamlining and improving the disability claims process, this bill aims to ensure that veterans receive timely and accurate decisions on their claims.

"I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join together in support of these critical measures,” said Ellzey. “They will have a profound and positive impact on the lives of veterans and their families. As a nation, we have a moral obligation to honor the sacrifices of those who have served, and this legislative package represents an important step forward in fulfilling that obligation."