(The Center Square) – Increased access to benefits for veterans and their long-term care are included in legislation that easily passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday.

Named for Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and former U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina, lawmakers by 389-9 approved the Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. Colloquially, it is known as the Dole Act and was introduced by Rep. Juan Ciscomani, R-Ariz.

Mental health services are another top issue in the legislation now headed to the Senate.

"Today, our elected leaders proved that bipartisan cooperation is still possible, especially in the name of all who serve, their families, and their caregivers," Dole said. "I know the determination that reaching consensus often requires, so I applaud the members of Congress and congressional staff who never gave up on this bill, and the coalition of veterans' organizations that never wavered in their commitment to ensure that these life-changing and life-saving promises be delivered. I am eager to see this package now quickly pass in the Senate and be sent to the president's desk for his signature."

Dole, one-term senator in from 2003-09, has been a longtime advocate for veterans' caregivers. The bill received support from more than 50 organizations and holds Veterans Affairs accountable to the taxpayers and veterans it serves.

"America owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the men and women who served this country, and it is Congress' duty to ensure these heroes are taken care of after service," said Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. "The Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare Benefits and Improvement Act includes significant reforms to the delivery of VA services and health care, and is the byproduct of years-long, good faith, bipartisan work. I thank Chairman Bost for his leadership in getting this bill across the finish line and for helping deliver on the promise we made to our veterans."

Johnson thanked Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill., chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

If enacted, the bill would offer comprehensive support for all aging, disabled, and homeless veterans. It includes measures restored from the COVID-19 pandemic that would allow the VA to provide veterans with necessities like food, shelter, and hygiene products while increasing funding for transitional housing in high-cost areas nationwide.

The legislation also includes full coverage for in-home care equal to the costs of VA nursing homes while expanding eligibility for transportation assistance for those needing access to medical appointments. Families of those who choose to pass at home would be able to receive burial allowances.

The bill has the chance to reshape how veterans access care, especially in rural areas where VA services are less accessible.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the results of the 2023 Point-in-Time Count, showing that on a single night in January 2023, 35,574 veterans experienced homelessness across the United States.

This is a 7.4% increase when compared to 2022.

"The men and women who have risked their lives to serve our country and protect our freedoms deserve quality health care, economic and educational opportunities, and a VA that puts them first," said Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., the majority leader of the chamber. "The Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act contains several pieces of legislation that aim to upgrade the care our veterans and their families receive and cut the bureaucracy from the VA's service."