Washington, D.C. -  On Monday, Congressman Donnelly introduced H.R. 2190, The Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans Act.  If enacted into law, the bill would establish an Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans to assist the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with developing the best approach to providing health care and other VA benefits to veterans who live in rural communities.

“I want to ensure that our government holds up its end of the bargain for all veterans, no matter where they reside after completing their service.” Donnelly said.  “I have a Veterans Advisory Board that I consult with regularly, and I think it makes sense for the Secretary to get that kind of invaluable advice and feedback from rural veterans.” 

Over 40 percent of veterans returning from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan come from rural communities.  However, rural veterans and their families often encounter greater barriers to accessing care and services provided by the VA than other veterans. Additionally, the needs of rural veterans can differ greatly from urban and suburban veterans.

Donnelly’s legislation would require the Secretary of the VA to establish an Advisory Committee comprised of government officials and members of the general public who are representatives of rural veterans and also individuals who are experts in the needs of rural veterans.  The Advisory Committee would regularly report directly to the Secretary on both the needs of rural veterans and also provide an assessment of how well VA policies and services address issues of concern specific to rural veterans.

“Veterans in places like Pulaski or Carroll Counties should have the same level of care and service as veterans in South Bend,” Donnelly said.” “These brave Americans have served our nation and sacrificed for us. They deserve the very best.”
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