Rep. Peltola introduces bipartisan Veteran Transportation Initiative

Transportation to doctor and therapist appointments is often a challenge for many veterans especially in rural and vast land like Alaska. With that in mind, Representatives Mary Sattler Peltola, and fellow representatives James C. Moylan of Guam, and Steven Horsford from Nevada introduced the Veteran Service Organization Transportation Act, a bipartisan bill to empower Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) in highly rural areas to apply for grants to purchase transportation for vets in their communities to get to medical appointments.

“When it comes to getting the benefits they were promised after their service, rural veterans suffer the most,” said Representative Peltola. “In big states like Alaska, we need to make policy changes to ensure our vets get the same care as those in the Lower 48.”

Under the Peltola-led measure, veterans living in counties with fewer than seven people per square mile will have access to the grant program.

“Many veterans living in rural areas have difficulty getting to medical appointments. This can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatments, exacerbating health issues that could have been managed more effectively with timely care,” said Representative Moylan. “Through this measure, veterans in my district and other rural areas can receive grants for transportation to medical appointments. I want to thank my colleagues for their shared commitment to honoring our veterans.”

Nevada’s Representative Horsford said he was honored to work on the bill and support those who have served, saying. “I know the unique challenges that rural veterans face in accessing the healthcare they need and deserve. This legislation is an important step toward ensuring that no veteran is left behind, regardless of where they live.”