FOR RELEASE: September 20, 2001

HOUSE PANEL HEARS TESTIMONY ON
BILLS TO AID HOMELESS VETERANS

Lawmakers Pledge to Work Together to Pass Comprehensive Measure

Washington, DC - The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee today received testimony on two bills introduced by their leadership.  The first bill, H.R. 936, The Heather French Henry Homeless Veterans Assistance Act, was introduced by Ranking Democratic Member, Lane Evans (D-IL) on March 6, 2001.  The goal of the Evans bill is to “end homelessness among veterans in a decade”.  Evans noted his bill has 133 Republican and Democratic cosponsors and support from many veterans’ service organizations, homeless advocacy groups, and mental health advocates.  

Evans paid tribute to Heather French Henry, Miss America 2000, for whom the bill is named.  Henry, who married Lt. Governor, Steven Henry of Kentucky after her reign, attended the hearing speaking on behalf of H.R. 936 and for bolstering programs that meet the needs of homeless veterans.   

“During her year of service as Miss America 2000, Heather worked tirelessly on behalf of our Nation’s homeless veterans who have never had a better advocate.  Heather has been called ‘every veteran’s daughter’ and I was privileged to recognize her contributions by naming H.R. 936 on her behalf,” said Evans.    

The second bill, H.R. 2716, the Homeless Veterans Assistance Act of 2001, was introduced by Chairman Christopher Smith in August.  Evans expressed his confidence that the panel would be able to work together to craft a comprehensive bill that addressed the needs of homeless veterans.     “Working together I am optimistic we can combine the best provisions of H.R. 936 and H.R. 2716 and strongly support legislation that will result in better treatment, rehabilitation, and housing options for America’s homeless veterans.  Our nation’s veterans deserve no less.”  

Evans said the key differences in the two bills were the programs each sought to emphasize.  The Evans bill attempted to bolster effective VA programs and the best programs offered by their partners in the community while the Smith bill looked to the Department of Housing and Urban Development and to outside agencies to take a larger role in addressing the housing needs of homeless veterans.  

Evans also focused his efforts on strengthening the VA’s mental health programs.  “I believe it is impossible to discuss VA’s many modes of treatment for homeless veterans without examining the range, availability and effectiveness of programming available to veterans with severe chronic mental illness and substance abuse problems,” said Evans. 

Evans praised Chairman Smith for introducing H.R. 2716.  “Your bill intends to fill a gap in VA’s care continuum that will provide “permanent” housing options for veterans.  I am pleased you have the foresight to address this need in your bill and I will look forward to working with you as we approve legislation that will undoubtedly assist America’s homeless veterans.” 

Evans also expressed urgency for addressing the problem.  “We need to address our most vulnerable veterans’ needs now.  It can’t wait until tomorrow.   I hope we will be unified and committed in our efforts to address homeless veterans’ needs in this Congress.” 

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