This week, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously adopted an amendment introduced by Rep. Greg Stanton and co-led by Rep. Eli Crane to improve access to health care for Tribal veterans.
The amendment passed as part of an en bloc package in the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027.
“I’m honored to co-lead this bipartisan amendment to better serve Tribal veterans who face challenges in obtaining the care they deserve. This measure would help close gaps in coverage by expanding outreach and support for these patriots. I’m grateful to Rep. Greg Stanton for his leadership in building consensus behind this good-faith approach,” said Crane.
According to Crane, Native Americans serve in the armed forces at roughly five times the national average and have a storied legacy of helping turn the tide of international conflicts. In Arizona, we are well-versed in their heroic service, notably the Navajo and Hopi Code Talkers who forged an unbreakable code during the dark hours of World War II.
Despite their significant contributions to defending our nation, argues Crane, Tribal veterans often face difficulties accessing the care they have rightfully earned. With most VA health centers located off reservations, distance remains a major barrier to receiving treatment.
In response to these challenges, Crane and Stanton advocated for passage of Amendment No. 48, which redirects $5 million from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) General Administration account to the VA Office of Rural Health to expand services. This funding would support mobile clinics and targeted clinical staffing to improve access to care for Tribal veterans.
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