House Finances Committee Passes Heck Bill On Veteran Housing

(Washington, DC) – Legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Heck (NV-03) to reduce homelessness among our nation’s veterans unanimously passed the House Financial Services Committee today. The Vulnerable Veterans Housing Reform Act, H.R. 6361, exempts from consideration as income by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) any expenses related to a veteran’s aid and attendance benefits. The aid and attendance benefit is an enhanced pension program provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to our nation’s wartime veterans who are severely disabled and have little or no income. Under current statute, the aid and attendance benefit is counted as income when determining eligibility for housing assistance, thus diverting assistance away from our most vulnerable veterans.

“The House of Representatives has made eliminating homelessness among veterans a goal, but current policies make that goal unachievable,” Rep. Heck said. “Removing the aid and attendance benefit from the HUD income formula will ensure that resources are going to those most in need and will help keep our veterans, who have sacrificed so greatly for this country, off the streets.”