Guam's U.S. Delegate James C. Moylan is co-leading three new bills aimed at improving services for veterans in Guam and other rural areas. The bills were introduced Friday in Washington, D.C.
The VSO Rural Transportation bill aims to resurrect a grant program, allowing state veteran offices and veteran service organizations in rural areas, like Guam, to apply for grants up to $50,000 to purchase vehicles for transporting veterans to medical facilities. This measure, co-led by Rep. Mary Peltola of Alaska seeks to revive a program previously championed by the late Don Young.
The VA Insurance Improvement Act, co-led by Rep. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, proposes extending VA Life Insurance coverage eligibility to veterans under 81 years old, regardless of service-connected disability status. Currently, only veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible.
The Veterans Burial Improvement Act of 2024 would make permanent the VA’s temporary authority to bury spouses and children who predecease active-duty service members. It also proposes a flat fee reimbursement for travel expenses to the survivors of deceased veterans, simplifying the current form-based reimbursement process.
Auriann Calvo, Moylan's press secretary said, "Cremation is included since it’s a burial service option. The bill modifies an existing law and doesn’t take away the options of the family, just expands the benefit."
In his congressional release, Moylan said, “These measures address certain technicalities which would benefit many veterans over the long term, including those residing in Guam." He said, “The burial measure also provides some ease to a family at a time when they really need it... As the Republican co-lead on these measures, I look forward to working with the VA committee in the House to try and get these measures included in any larger veteran’s legislative vehicle being prepared. We must also continue to strive to improve the services and care for our veterans, as this represents just a small piece of the larger pie.” mbj