Senate Passes Hirono-Backed Legislation to Combat Veterans Homelessness, Keep the Manila VA Open for Business

WASHINGTON D.C. – This week, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 4285, the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2019 to extend many critical veterans programs, including two measures authored by Senator Mazie K. Hirono. Without Congressional action, these programs would have expired on September 30, 2019.

“I thank my Senate colleagues for quickly passing this comprehensive bill to ensure that veterans do not lose access to the services they depend on,” said Senator Hirono. “I am especially proud to have sponsored provisions to extend the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program and the VA Regional Office and Outpatient Clinic in Manila.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2019 includes two pieces of legislation authored by Senator Hirono.

The Keeping Our Commitment to Ending Veteran Homelessness Act of 2019 (S. 2489), introduced with Senator John Boozman (R-Arkansas), extends the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program through September 30, 2021. This program provides grants for supportive services to assist very low-income veterans and their families who are either residing in permanent housing or transitioning from homelessness.

The Keeping Our Commitment to Overseas Veterans Act of 2019 (S. 2484) keeps the VA Regional Office and Outpatient Clinic in Manila, Philippines open for business through September 30, 2020. The Manila VA provides health care, benefits, and services to thousands of U.S. veterans living in the Philippines.

The Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act will now go to the President for his signature.

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