Veterans' Affairs

Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee Chairmen Brad Wenstrup and Jack Bergman, along with Ranking Members Julia Brownley and Ann Kuster released statements following introduction of the VA Prescription Drug Accountability Act.

Today, Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) urged the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs to provide more resources for our Major Range and Test Facility Bases (MRTFB), including Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), to address critical maintenance needs and repairs.

By Niki Wentling Appeared Originally on Stars And Stripes WASHINGTON – A handful of lawmakers is again making attempts to open 24 new Department of Veterans Affairs facilities across the country, some of which have been held up by Congress for two years. The VA must receive congressional approval to lease medical facilities with annual […]

by Nikki Wentling  The Stars and Stripes story here. WASHINGTON – A handful of lawmakers is again making attempts to open 24 new Department of Veterans Affairs facilities across the country, some of which have been held up by Congress for two years. The VA must receive congressional approval to lease medical facilities with annual […]

By Nikki Wentling Appeared Originally in Stars and Stripes WASHINGTON – Dozens of Democrats urged President Donald Trump on Wednesday to exempt the Department of Veterans Affairs from the temporary federal hiring freeze he imposed Monday, saying it had the potential to harm veterans seeking health care and those trying to access benefits. They also […]

Congresswoman Julia Brownley issued a statement on the nomination of Dr. David Shulkin to serve as the next Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley announced 26 bills as part of her legislative agenda for the 115th Congress.

Today, Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Honor Our National Guard Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, legislation that would prohibit the recoupment of bonuses given to National Guard members.  Additionally, it would require the Department of Defense to repay those who have already returned their bonuses, as well as the penalties incurred, with interest.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley released a statement on the Pentagon’s decision to temporarily suspend efforts to seek repayment of enlistment bonuses and benefits given to California National Guard members.

By Brendan McGarry and Amy Bushatz Originally Appeared on Millitary.com Days after a news organization reported the Defense Department is forcing National Guardsmen from California to pay back bonuses received in error, lawmakers and advocates are calling on officials to forgive their debt. Rep. Julia Brownley, a Democrat from the state, is among a growing […]

Congresswoman Julia Brownley released a statement regarding recent reports that the Department of Defense is seeking repayment of enlistment bonuses from over 9,700 California National Guard servicemembers and veterans.

Today, Representative Julia Brownley (CA-26) announced the enactment of her bill, the Veterans Medical Access Act, which was approved by Congress as part of the Fiscal Year 2017 Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Zika Response and Preparedness Act (H.R. 5325).  The law was signed yesterday by President Obama.

Today, Representatives Julia Brownley (D-CA) and Chellie Pingree (D-ME) introduced H.R. 6220, a bill that would authorize the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to move forward with 24 healthcare facility leases that are currently backlogged in Congress, including the proposed 47,200 square foot Oxnard Community Clinic.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley issued a statement after the House passed the FY2017 Continuing Appropriations and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Zika Response and Preparedness Act (H.R. 5325).  The bill funds the Department of Veterans Affairs and military construction projects for upcoming year, provides funds to address the Zika crisis, and funds other government agencies at FY2016 levels through December 9, 2016.

Today, Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) urged congressional colleagues to address the bureaucratic roadblock that hinders Congress’ ability to authorize leases for new Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities during the House Veterans Affairs’ Committee (HVAC) mark-up.

Zachary Walker had his doubts about seeing a Department of Veterans Affairs doctor in Sepulveda through a two-way camera and television screen. The Navy veteran from Ventura wondered how she would check him over or listen to his heart. But his concerns about telemedicine were trumped by the frustrating alternative: It would take two months […]

Military veterans in Ventura County needing specialty medical care are increasingly seeing their providers through a Skype-like app. The Department of Veterans Affairs calls it “telehealth.” Traffic on the highways between the V.A. outpatient clinic in Oxnard and the veterans hospital in Westwood is a big reason for the change. It simply took too long […]

Rep. Julia Brownley got a firsthand look at the operations of Oxnard's outpatient facility for veterans on Tuesday, greeting patients and speaking with staff about their needs. The outpatient clinic on Universe Circle has been identified as having one of the worst backlogs for patient appointments. Compared to other Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinics, […]