Alaska Rep. Mary Peltola’s first bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The Food Security for all Veterans Act calls for the creation of an Office of Food Security within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
“I rise today to speak on a topic of vital importance to my state where veterans comprise about 10% of the population and I know many veterans who face food insecurity,” according to Rep. Peltola, who spoke on the House floor recently. “This is my first bill as a member of the U.S. House which is appropriate. There’s nothing more important than ensuring our veterans and their families can enjoy a safe and healthy life after their service for our country. This bill would create an office of Food Security within the Office of Veterans Affairs. The office would be charged with providing information to veterans on the availability and eligibility requirements for federal nutrition assistance programs.”
Rep. Peltola’s bill passed through the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and arrived on the House floor for a final vote one week after being introduced.
“The office would work with other government agencies to implement policies to help veterans at risk or experiencing food insecurity,” added Peltola. “A report just four months ago from the Center for Strategic and International Studies was clear. ‘Food insecurity among U.S. veterans and military families is a national security concern. It multiplies stress on active personnel, diminishes wellbeing among service members and their children who are more likely to serve in the military as adults and may hinder recruitment for the armed services.’ I know this bill will not solve the problem entirely, but I believe it can help Alaska and throughout the country.”
The legislation passed the House on a 375-49 vote.
I just spoke on the House floor in support of my first piece of legislation, the Food Security for all Veterans Act.
There is nothing more important than ensuring our veterans and their families can enjoy a safe and healthy life after their service to our country. pic.twitter.com/aFpyIbB09w
— Rep. Mary Peltola (@Rep_Peltola) September 29, 2022
