Miller-Meeks Bill to Cut VA Red Tape and Support Military Families Passes House
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), a 24-year Army veteran, physician, and Chair of the House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee, today announced House passage of her bipartisan Fisher House Availability Act, legislation to cut unnecessary VA red tape and expand lodging access for military and veteran families.
The bill passed the House under suspension with bipartisan support.
The Fisher House Availability Act reverses a Biden-era policy that prevents military and veteran families from staying at Department of Veterans Affairs lodging facilities when their loved ones are receiving non-VA care through community care programs.
“Our veterans and military families have sacrificed enormously for this country. The last thing they should face during a medical crisis is more government bureaucracy,” said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. “This bill puts military and veteran families first by cutting red tape, expanding access to lodging, and ensuring families can stay close to loved ones during treatment and recovery. As both a veteran and physician, I know how important family support is during difficult medical situations, and I’m proud to see this bipartisan legislation pass the House.”
Under current policy, some families are denied access to Fisher House lodging simply because a veteran is receiving care outside a VA facility, even if that care is authorized by the VA itself.
The Fisher House Availability Act ensures families can continue accessing these critical support services regardless of whether treatment occurs directly at a VA facility or through VA community care.
“As Chair of the Veterans’ Health Subcommittee, I’ve made it a priority to improve veterans’ access to care while eliminating unnecessary barriers created by Washington bureaucracy,” Miller-Meeks continued. “Today’s passage is another important step toward delivering the care, support, and dignity our veterans and military families have earned.”
Background
The Fisher House Foundation provides free temporary lodging to military and veteran families while a loved one receives medical treatment.
The Fisher House Availability Act:
- Expands access to Fisher House lodging for families of veterans receiving VA-authorized community care;
- Reverses restrictive Biden-era guidance limiting eligibility;
- Reduces unnecessary burdens on military and veteran families during medical treatment;
- Strengthens support systems for veterans receiving specialized or rural healthcare services.
###