Reps. Pappas and Stefanik introduce bipartisan legislation to meet the prosthetic needs of women veterans

Washington, D.C.-Today, Representatives Chris Pappas (D-NH), Chair of Oversight and Investigations for the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Elise Stefanik (R-NY)introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure female veterans have access to prosthetic items that were made for women at VA facilities. Their legislation has already been endorsed by the Disabled American Veterans of America.

"The face of our military has changed, and so have the needs of the VA," said Congressman Pappas. "It is incumbent upon us to ensure that women that have answered the call to service have access to the same quality care as their male counterparts. I am proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that will ensure the VA is equipped to provide female veterans with life changing prosthetics and continue working with VA to support our ever-changing veteran population."

"The VA has led the way on prosthetics development that has changed the lives of countless veterans and service members," said Congresswoman Stefanik. "This bipartisan legislation pushes for further research into how to best develop this incredible technology to fit women's bodies. There are over two million women veterans in the United States who have made immense sacrifices in service to our Nation, and I am honored to co-lead this bill to serve them. I am looking forward to reading the VA's report on how we can swiftly bridge this gap in prosthetics technology."

"Women veterans have served our country honorably, and it is imperative that they have equal access to essential health services, including prosthetics made specifically for their needs," said Congresswoman Brownley (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee's Women Veterans Task Force and the Subcommittee on Health. "This issue will be an important priority for the Women Veterans Task Force, and I look forward to continuing to work with Reps. Pappas and Stefanik to move this bill forward."

This legislation is part of a broader bipartisan package to support women veterans, the fastest growing group of veterans in the United States. Companion legislation has already been introduced by U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and John Boozman (R-AK).