Rep. Eshoo Votes for Healthcare and Housing for Service Members

Washington, D.C. – October 9, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) voted for two key measures for service members and veterans.  H.R. 1016, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, speeds the delivery of funding for veterans health care and H.R. 3590, the Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act, assists service members looking to buy or sell their homes and extends home-buying incentives.  These measures continue a record of benefits to veterans and troops in the Democratic-led Congress which, over the last two and a half years, has passed a new G.I. Bill, expanded economic opportunities for returning soldiers, and improved veterans hospitals, facilities, and care for PTSD.

“Our troops and veterans require access to the best healthcare we can provide,” Rep. Eshoo said.  H.R.1016 requires the President to request and authorizes Congress to approve funds a year in advance for investments in the Department of Veteran Affairs medical care system.  This will ensure timely and predictable funding, and allow the VA to plan the best way to deliver care to veterans.

“We also need to recognize the hardships that deployment has on our service members looking to own a home.  They require increased flexibility simply to enjoy the same chance as every other American to become a home-owner.”  H.R.3590 extends the first-time homebuyer credit for one year to service members, so that those stationed overseas can take advantage of the credit.  It also ensures that service members will not have to repay this credit should they be forced to sell their homes due to deployment, within three years of buying.

Both bills have been top priorities for numerous veterans service organizations, including the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

H.R. 1016 passed the House by a vote of 409-1 and H.R. 3590 by a vote of 416-0.