Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025

Floor Speech

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Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment, which originated after a veteran from Spokane asked for my help.

She had recently retired from service and was days away from her first VA appointment when she had a heart attack. She was rushed to the ER where she made a full recovery, but the VA refused to pay for her care. Why? Because she hadn't seen a VA doctor in the last 24 months.

It didn't matter that she had just enrolled or that many VA facilities have 30- to 60-day delays.

They denied her the coverage she needed, and her bills were piling up.

That is why I introduced the RELIEVE Act to waive the 24-month rule for 60 days following a veteran's enrollment in the VA healthcare system.

My amendment today highlights the importance of helping veterans establish care to ensure they qualify for outside emergency coverage. It is time for Congress to eliminate the emergency coverage gap, and I urge my colleagues to join me in making sure every veteran has access to the treatment they have earned.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, even though I am not opposed to the amendment.
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Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment to address the troubling state of housing for servicemembers and their families at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane.

According to the Air Force, roughly 85 percent of the 650 privatized homes at Fairchild were constructed in the 1950s. They are aging rapidly and approaching a point where they will not be fit for families living on base.

Reports of mold, cracks in the foundation, siding falling off, chipping paint, and roofs in need of repair are just a few of the many issues with the housing on base. Needless to say, this is unacceptable.

Our servicemembers and their families sacrifice so much for our country. They deserve a comfortable, dependable home that isn't falling apart around them, and it is our job to make sure they have one.

This amendment is critical for ensuring Congress has the ability to conduct the oversight of the conditions of Air Force housing as we work together to make the necessary and long-overdue renovations and repairs.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and join me in making quality housing for servicemembers and their families a top priority.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to it.

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