WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) – chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – introduced legislation to make temporary lodging facilities VA Fisher Houses accessible to active-duty, reserve and other members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families when space is available.

The Fisher House Availability Act would expand eligibility for temporary lodging at VA facilities to include active-duty servicemembers and members of the reserve forces, allowing them and their families to stay, at no cost in Fisher Houses, constructed and donated to VA by the Fisher House Foundation, when traveling significant distances to receive care.

“We have a commitment to support and care for our veterans, servicemembers and their families, especially when they are in a time of need,” said Sen. Moran. “Military service is a family service, and this expansion makes certain military and veteran families can stay close to their loved ones while they are receiving medical care. I am grateful to the Fisher House Foundation for their commitment to provide comfort and lodging to those who have served and sacrificed for our nation, and I look forward to this legislation’s passage.”

“I’m proud to partner with Chairman Moran to introduce this commonsense legislation that will ensure servicemembers and their families can utilize and stay at VA Fisher Houses, especially when traveling long distances to receive care,” said Sen. Blumenthal. “The Fisher House Foundation does great work serving veterans and their loved ones, and their commitment to helping our nation’s past and present servicemembers is truly commendable.”

The Fisher House Foundation recently dedicated its 100th home and has provided more than 12.5 million nights of lodging for veterans, servicemembers and their families who are traveling significant distances to receive health care.

The full text of the amendment here.

# # #