On July 30, the Veterans Memorial Park of America was represented at Congressman Rouzer’s Veterans Advisory Committee meeting in Fayetteville. Veterans, VFW, American Legion, and Veteran Service Officers were also present. Rep. Rouzer provided handouts about veteran related legislation, including:
Sen. Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 8371) Expands veteran’s healthcare by strengthening the VA Community Care Program, increasing access to home and community-based services, and enhancing support for family caregivers. Also this law removed time limits on certain education benefits, strengthens suicide prevention efforts, reauthorizes veteran job training programs, expands burial benefits and homeless veteran services, and modernizes the VA’s health information technology systems to improve care and oversight.
VA Home Loan Program Reform Act (H.R. 1815) This law modernizes the VA Home Loan Program by allowing veterans who fall behind on their mortgages to access federal foreclosure assistance available through other housing programs. The law also ensures appropriate funding for community organizations that provide housing and support services to veterans experiencing homelessness.
Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act (S.4487) This law provides an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for veterans with service-connected disabilities, ensuring disability compensation and certain survivor benefits keep up with the rate of inflation.
Love Lives On Act (H.R. 1004, Cosponsored) Allows spouses of deceased military service members to keep survivor benefits upon remarriage at any age.
Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025 (H.R. 472, Cosponsored) Strengthens accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs by allowing senior executives and managers to be removed, demoted, or suspended based on substantial evidence of poor performance or misconduct. The bill also applies these enhanced accountability procedures retroactively.
Ensuring Justice of Camp Lejeune Victims Act (H.R. 4145, Cosponsored) Improves access to benefits under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act by removing technical barriers that have delayed claims for veterans and their families, helping reduce the backlog and ensure eligible individuals receive the benefits they deserve.
CHOICE for Veterans Act of 2025 (H.R. 3132, Cosponsored) Expands veterans’ access to professional claims assistance by allowing accredited representatives to help prepare, present, and pursue initial and supplemental VA benefits claims.
In May 2026, House Republicans passed the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, reaffirming our nation’s commitment to those who have sacrificed in service to America.
In keeping with America’s commitment to those who have sacrificed for our country, the bill provides $469.49 billon for the Department of Veterans Affairs, $16.85 billon above current funding levels.
*Fully funds veterans’ healthcare, benefits, and critical VA programs, including more than $2 billion for VA medical facility improvements.
*Advances President Trump’s effort to combat veterans homelessness by investing in the Bridging Rental Assistance for Veterans Empowerment (BRAVE) Program.
*Invest in military housing, childcare, and infrastructure improvements to enhance the quality of life for service members and their families.
*Maintain funding for veterans’ research. Mental health programs, and other critical services relied upon those who have served.
Department of Veterans Affairs Investments and Modernization
The Department of Veterans Affairs has prioritized improving the safety, reliability, and quality of care at VA medical facilities.
The VA approved a record $4.8 billion in infrastructure upgrades to repair aging facilities, modernize clinical spaces, and strengthen long-term operations, which includes:
*$915 million to repair outdated infrastructure systems.
*$229 million to prepare for electronic health record modernization.
*$11 million for upgrades to electrical, elevator, and boiler systems nationwide.
VA Claims Processing and Backlog Reduction
Since January 2025, the VA has reduced the disability claims backlog by 74%, bringing to below 70,000 claims.
Expanding Access to Care
More than 200,000 veterans enrolled in VA health care in 2026 because the VA opened 38 new clinics, expanded outreach efforts, and increased appointment availability outside traditional hours. These improvements resulted in more than 500,000 completed or scheduled appointments, including over 60,000 mental health visits.
Supporting Veterans’ Housing
The VA permanently housed more than 51,000 veterans in FY 2025 and helped more than 173,000 veterans maintain stable housing. A new partial Claims Program is also helping veterans avoid foreclosure and remain in their homes.
Rep. Rouzer introduced Nicki Fryar, the CEO for VA Fayetteville Coastal Health Care System.
Fryar said VA-Fayetteville serves over 90,000 Veterans and serves 19 counties with 16 sites. Her responsibilities include clinical, administrative and operational leadership, ensuring high-quality care and efficient service delivery. Ms. Fryar’s journey with the VA started as a student nurse at the Durham VA.
Her grandfather was a WWII veteran.
Fryar answered questions and gave out a lot of information. VA Fayetteville has hired more cardiologists and pulmonologists. The most recent Community Care Surveys shows 82 percent satisfaction rates. Their CMS rating is at a five star. Fryar talked about the construction on the Ramsey Street facility. It will expand the Specialty Surgical unit.
500 vouchers have also been passed out for homeless veterans. She is looking into a mobile clinic to go to the homeless veterans, so they can get healthcare. VA Fairs were discussed as a method to expand outreach in the communities that need the extra assistance.
“Our veterans deserve our utmost support and aid for their service to this country,” Rouzer said. “They have made so many sacrifices, often leaving behind friends and family, to protect our country. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice. Institutions like VA hospitals and various veterans service organizations were established to help support those who have served our country. More can and should be done to improve the care and lives of our veterans, and I will continue to make this a priority while representing North Carolina.”
For more information visit Rouzer.House.gov.
