Veterans' Affairs

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley issued the following statement following House passage of the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 8371), a comprehensive package of bills to significantly expand and reform delivery of services at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans, service members, and their families.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced the introduction of the Improving Veterans Experience Act, a bill to codify the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Established in 2015, the VEO gathers feedback directly from veterans, their families, and caregivers on their experience with VA and incorporates the information to improve services.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the introduction of the Loved Ones Internment Act (H.R. 9804) to ensure that veterans can be laid to rest alongside their loved ones in national or veterans cemeteries.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley introduced the Women Involuntary Separated Earnings Remittance (WISER) Act to rectify a wrong perpetuated against women servicemembers from 1951 to 1976.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley issued the following statement of disapproval after House passage of H.R. 8580, the FY2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Funding Bill.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the introduction of the VA Marriage and Family Therapists Equity Act, legislation which would expand access to professional therapists for veterans and their families. Specifically, this bill would remove an onerous regulation that limits the practice of nearly half of all the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) employed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley issued the following statement following House passage of the Elizabeth Dole Home- and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act (H.R. 542), a comprehensive bill authored by Brownley that will be the single largest expansion of long-term care services at VA in decades. This legislation would significantly improve and expand home- and community-based services for disabled or aging veterans.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley was proud to join the Rancho Simi Recreation & Park District in honoring America’s veterans. Below are Congresswoman Brownley’s remarks at the Veterans Day Observance Ceremony in Simi Valley.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley issued the following statement of disapproval after House passage of H.R. 4366, the FY2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley issued the following statement after the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee passed the Elizabeth Dole Home- and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act, a comprehensive bill to improve VA programs for aging veterans authored by Brownley.

“I cannot emphasize this enough: This care will save veterans’ lives,” Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Calif., said at a March news conference urging the VA to act faster to cover surgery for transgender veterans. “Time is of the essence.”

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the reintroduction of the Every Veteran Counts Act, which would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish and regularly update a database containing veterans’ demographic information to ensure VA programs and policies are designed to serve the changing population of veterans. 

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA) and Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV)  introduced the Veteran Entrepreneurs Act, which reduces barriers to entrepreneurship by lowering upfront costs for veterans operating small businesses.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced the introduction of the Dental Care for Veterans Act, which would authorize the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide dental care to all veterans enrolled in the VA healthcare system.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley introduced the CHAMPVA Children’s Care Protection Act, legislation which would allow children of disabled veterans to remain eligible for VA health care until they are 26 years old – the same coverage required under the Affordable Care Act for private-sector insurance plans, as well as the military’s TRICARE program. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“Allowing VA to provide gender affirming surgery isn’t just the right thing to do. It will undeniably save lives,” said Rep. Julia Brownley, R-Calif., during Wednesday’s rally.

Today, Congresswoman Brownley released the following statement after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ announcement that its motto will be changed to the following: “To fulfill President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation’s military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors.” 

Today, Congresswoman Brownley introduced the Driver Reimbursement Increase for Veteran Equity (DRIVE) Act, which would increase the Beneficiary Travel mileage reimbursement rate for eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities and health conditions. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.