Cedar Rapids Today

Washington, DC - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) released a statement following the House passage of the FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (Milcon-VA) Appropriations Bill. The bill aims to fully fund veterans' healthcare benefits, bolster national security, and cut what Hinson describes as wasteful spending by the Biden Administration.

"I was proud to support legislation that fully funds veterans' benefits and health care and makes critical investments in quality of life for our military families while cutting the Biden Administration's woke funding requests. It's unacceptable that the Biden Administration has already said they will veto this legislation because it prioritizes funding for our nation's heroes over their LGBTQ+, climate justice, and DEI initiatives that taxpayers shouldn't be subsidizing in the first place. I will continue working to return to regular order so that we can deliver conservative funding legislation that delivers on Iowa's priorities," stated Congresswoman Ashley Hinson.

Hinson advocated for several legislative provisions within the MilCon-VA appropriations bill:

- Secured funding to maintain efforts authorized by the Sgt. Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act.

- Directed language requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to report on and provide recommendations for maternal and infant health outcomes for female veterans.

- Encouraged the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand pilot sites for PAWS Act implementation at medical centers serving rural veterans.

- Recommended reducing dependency on Chinese-made medical devices and expanding the domestic supply chain for essential medical devices while safeguarding against shortages.

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