Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA) spoke on the House Floor to urge her colleagues to pass the Sergeant Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act, as well as the the Improving Veteran Affairs (VA) Accountability to Prevent Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Act. Both bills passed the House with bipartisan support on Tuesday evening.
“I am excited that two of my bipartisan bills passed the House tonight. The Sergeant Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act, sponsored by Congresswoman Cindy Axne and supported by the entire Iowa House Delegation, will ensure that veterans in rural areas have access to the care they need and deserve. The Improving VA Accountability to Prevent Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Act of 2021, legislation I led with Senator Joni Ernst, will crack down on sexual harassment at the Department of Veterans Affairs. I will continue leading the way to serve veterans in Iowa and deliver on issues that matter to our district.” –Congresswoman Ashley Hinson
The Sergeant Brandon Ketchum Rural Veterans Mental Health Act will increase access to mental health care services for veterans in rural areas.
“No veteran should be denied the help and care that they need after dedicating their lives to serve our country. No veteran should ever be turned away like Sergeant Ketchum was. Unfortunately, those that live in rural areas face increased challenges and additional barriers to accessing the treatment they need. Our legislation, named in honor of Sergeant Ketchum, will improve access to mental health services for veterans in rural areas.” –Congresswoman Ashley Hinson
Watch Hinson’s Full Floor Speech
The Improving VA Accountability to Prevent Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Act is bipartisan, bicameral legislation to improve policies and oversight, and to crack down on harassment at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
“This bipartisan, bicameral bill will improve the way sexual harassment is handled at the VA and will crack down on instances of harassment and discrimination within the department. Nobody should feel unsafe at work. The care VA employees provide our veterans is absolutely critical, but they cannot provide that best care—the care our veterans deserve—if they are suffering in a hostile work environment.” -Congresswoman Ashley Hinson
