The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday unanimously passed H.R. 1364, the Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation (ASSIST) Act. The bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett and U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire would help disabled veterans make the vehicle modifications they need to travel safely by giving the VA greater flexibility to offer financial assistance for a wider range of necessary adaptations.
“I introduced the bipartisan ASSIST Act because the men and women who served our country deserve every resource they need to live full and independent lives,” Barrett said. “Today, less than four months later, the House unanimously passed this common sense legislation to cut red tape, support disabled veterans, and deliver real results. I appreciate the support of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle helping me pass my second bill this year.”
Currently, the VA is restricted to funding only a limited list of adaptive equipment, such as wheelchair tie-downs, van lifts, and raised roofs. This unintentionally limits, and in many cases prevents all together, some veterans from being able to make necessary modifications to their vehicles such as ramp and kneeling systems, mobility device lifts, and ingress or egress accessibility modifications. The ASSIST Act fixes this gap in assistance and would help ensure veterans are able to continue traveling safely and freely.
“We have a sacred obligation to ensure that our veterans have the support they need to thrive and enjoy the freedoms they fought for while serving our country in uniform,” Goodlander said. “The ASSIST Act is common-sense legislation that will cut the needless red tape that has prevented veterans from getting the medically necessary equipment they need to travel safely. I’m proud that the House of Representatives passed our bill on a bipartisan basis, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly take up this legislation to deliver for veterans in New Hampshire and across the country.”
The ASSIST Act will now go to the Senate for consideration.
CLICK HERE to read the bill text.
