CONGRESSMAN GRAY HOSTS SUMMER VETERANS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
MERCED, CA – Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) hosted his second Veterans Advisory Committee meeting today at Merced’s American Legion Hall, welcoming veterans and their families along with local advocates and officials.
During the meeting, Congressman Gray provided an update on his STRIVE Act, legislation to limit copay burdens for veterans at VA health centers, which recently passed out of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee with unanimous support. He also fielded questions and comments from the veterans who joined the meeting, which touched on topics including mental health supports for veterans, VA clinic concerns, and possible legislative solutions to problems facing veterans and their families.
“Our veterans deserve the benefits and care they have earned through service to our nation,” said Congressman Gray following the meeting. “Today’s gathering was a chance to hear firsthand from veterans about the challenges they face in accessing care and federal resources. The Valley’s veterans have our gratitude, but they need action as well. That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to lower barriers to care at the VA and will continue working on commonsense legislation to provide for all who served.”
Congressman Gray was joined by representatives and members of veteran service organizations (VSOs) across the Valley. The event featured panelists from local VSOs and service agencies, including:
- John Ceccoli, Deputy Director Merced County Human Services Agency
- Adam Conour, Commander Winton VFW Post 7792
- Manuel Inacio, Program Coordinator for San Joaquin Valley Veteran’s SSG Fox Program
In July, Congressman Gray’s STRIVE Act passed unanimously out of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and is now eligible for House passage. Full text of the STRIVE Act is available here.
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