Kiggans Fights to Give Aging Veterans a Voice

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the Representing Our Seniors at VA Act, a bill that would ensure our seniors living in State Veterans Homes are represented at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by adding a representative from the National Association of State Veterans Homes (NASVH) to the VA’s Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee. This bipartisan bill, which was introduced alongside Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), aims to keep senior veterans’ priorities at the forefront of VA policymaking and bring more experts into discussions about improving aging veterans’ care.

Last week, Congresswoman Kiggans gave a floor speech about her new legislation. WATCH HERE.

“As both a veteran and geriatric nurse practitioner, I have seen firsthand how our senior veterans experience poor health outcomes because of a lack of advocacy in government, and I know how important it is to ensure our seniors in State Veterans Homes are represented at the VA,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “I am proud to introduce the Representing Our Seniors at VA Act to give more of our aging veterans a voice in important policymaking that will improve their care and quality of life. It is our responsibility to give our Greatest Generation a seat at the table, and my bipartisan legislation will do just that.”

“The National Association of State Veterans Homes is a critical partner for shaping veteran care policies at the federal level,” said Representative Cherfilus-McCormick. “It is essential that their voice be included in the VA’s Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee, especially given that VA facilities care for a predominantly older population. Their inclusion will ensure that our aging veterans, like those in Florida’s 20^th congressional district, can access needed long-term care, housing, and supportive services that have rightfully earned.”

“All of us at the National Association of State Veterans Homes are grateful to Congresswoman Kiggans for introducing this bill on behalf of our nation’s veterans and the 171 State Veterans Homes across our great nation,” said Fred S. Sganga, LNHA, FACHE, Legislative Director & Past President of the National Association of State Veterans Homes. 

“Congresswoman Kiggans has recognized that adding a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator from NASVH to the VA’s Geriatric and Gerontology Committee will greatly enhance the effectiveness of this important advisory group. State Veterans Homes are the largest provider of long-term care services to our nation’s heroes and their leadership have long been advocating for the excellence in care they receive each and every day. Thank you again to Congresswoman Kiggans for her desire to have proper representation on the GGAC.”