Highlights His Support of Legislation to Expand Veterans’ Health Care Access and Protect Their Earned Benefits
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan, Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Chair of the Health Subcommittee, honored America’s veterans on Veterans Day and highlighted legislation he has backed in the 119th Congress to strengthen veterans’ health care, protect their benefits and support their return to civilian life.
“Veterans Day gives us, as a nation, the opportunity to thank the men and women who answered the call to serve with courage,” said Buchanan. “More than 64,000 veterans call Florida’s 16th District home, and representing them has been one of the greatest honors of my life. As I celebrate my final Veterans Day in Congress, my commitment to them is stronger than ever. Honoring our veterans must go beyond words, it means ensuring they receive the care and benefits they have earned.”
Buchanan continued in his strong support of our nation’s veterans today through his vote for the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act (H.R. 9237). This comprehensive package combines more than 60 veteran related bills into one measure, delivering meaningful improvements to the benefits and services for those who served.
Buchanan has led legislation of his own to improve veterans’ health. His Veterans Nutrition and Wellness Act of 2025 (H.R. 1289) would establish a VA pilot program providing medically tailored meals and groceries to eligible veterans. His Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act of 2025 (H.R. 1290) would create a three-year pilot program to refer veterans experiencing a mental health crisis to approved non-VA providers for timely care. His Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act (H.R. 136) would require the VA to review the deaths of all veterans it treated who died by suicide or drug overdose in the last five years.
In the district, Buchanan honors local veterans each year through his Congressional Veteran Commendation, which recognizes veterans for their wartime service and peacetime community involvement.
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