Souder, Ellsworth urging support of Veterans Travel Equity Act
U.S. Reps. Mark Souder (R-IN) and Brad Ellsworth (D-IN) announced today that they are re-introducing the Veterans Travel Equity Act, bipartisan legislation that would give veterans the same mileage reimbursement rate as federal employees.
“This bill is about common sense fairness,” Souder said. “It isn’t logical to give Federal bureaucrats a greater mileage reimbursement rate than the brave men and women who have served our nation. Especially at a time of economic recession, our veterans deserve more from us. I’m delighted to work with my Hoosier colleague, Brad Ellsworth, on this important issue.”
“As millions of Americans struggle to get by in the current economic downturn, our veterans – who often live on fixed incomes and travel great distances for health care – are particularly vulnerable,” said Ellsworth. “This small change can be a big help to them. I am glad to work with Congressman Souder to introduce this common sense legislation and help our veterans make ends meet.”
The Veterans Travel Equity Act would increase the mileage reimbursement for veterans seeking healthcare at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities, making the mileage reimbursement rate the same as the rate available to federal employees—currently 55 cents per mile.
Currently, only veterans with service-connected disabilities rated 30 percent or more qualify for mileage reimbursements. This bill would eliminate the income and pension eligibility requirements and service-connected disability rating requirements.