June 19th, 2019 by WCBC Radio
Today, the House of Representatives approved a measure by Representatives David Trone (D-MD), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Michael Turner (R-OH), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Don Young (R-AK), Katie Porter (D-CA), and Peter Welch (D-VT) to double federal funding for the Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit that provides free, temporary lodging near hospitals so military and veteran families can be close to their loved ones while they seek medical treatment. The amendment ensures $10 million in federal funding for Fisher House.
There are currently 76 Fisher Houses located on 24 military installations and 32 VA medical centers, two of which are located at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Montgomery County. The Fisher House Foundation builds new houses and assists in the coordination of support for the homes and donates these homes to the United States government.
“The brave men and women who serve in our military and their families deserve the best treatment and care in the world. They shouldn’t have to worry about whether their loved ones can be with them when they are in the hospital,” said Trone. “I am honored to have helped secure this federal funding to continue the partnership with Fisher House. It’s the least we can do to support those who have sacrificed so much for us.”
“No veteran who has served their country should have to face medical care or a hospital stay without the support of their loved ones by their side,” Dingell said. “Caring for the families of our service members and veterans must always be a top priority. Our bipartisan amendment doubles the funding for Fisher House so this important organization can continue their important work.”
“The Fisher House at the Dayton VA is invaluable to our community’s veterans and their families,” Turner said. “The Fisher House at the Dayton VA Campus has served nearly 200 families in a welcoming home environment since it opened last November, saving guests approximately $57,000 in lodging and transportation expenses. I am proud to support doubling the funding for the Fisher House program to deliver our veterans with high quality and compassionate care.”
“Fisher House fulfills a tremendous need to our selfless servicemembers and veterans who have protected and defended our nation,” said Neguse. “In times of medical need, these families deserve the ability to dedicate all of their energy to the healing process, and Fisher House provides the support they need to do so. This additional funding for the program will allow for more servicemembers, veterans and their families to benefit from the incredible work of Fisher House.”
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