LANCASTER, CA – Representative Mike Garcia (CA-27) held a Veterans Town Hall at the Antelope Valley Community Resource Center, where he connected with veterans, advocates, and local leaders to address urgent issues affecting veterans in CA-27. Joined by Jon Clark, Staff Director for the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Rep. Garcia provided crucial updates on recent legislative wins, new resources, and his office's ongoing commitment to supporting local veterans.

“Our veterans deserve more than just promises—they deserve results,” said Rep. Garcia. “These men and women put it all on the line for our country. Now, it’s our job to ensure they get the care and respect they’ve earned.”

A primary focus of the town hall was the recent passage of H.R.9468, the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, which Rep. Garcia introduced and got signed into law. This critical legislation closes a $2.883 billion gap in VA funding, securing uninterrupted benefits for over seven million veterans. The bill also mandates strong oversight, requiring the VA to provide regular reports on budget corrections and spending transparency, along with a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the recent budget shortfall.

Rep. Garcia also shared plans for the new VA clinic in the Antelope Valley, set to open in 2025. This 20,000-square-foot facility will bring essential healthcare services closer to home for local veterans, including primary care, mental health, women’s health, and other specialized services. “The new clinic is a major win for veterans in the Antelope Valley,” Rep. Garcia said. “They won’t have to drive for hours to get the care they deserve. This clinic is built around the idea that veterans should receive top-notch care right here in their community.”

Additionally, Rep. Garcia highlighted his office’s record of service to veterans in CA-27, noting that they’ve successfully closed over 600 veteran cases, helping with everything from securing benefits to navigating federal agencies.

To reinforce his commitment, Rep. Garcia outlined several pieces of pro-VA legislation he’s supported: 

●      Fully Funded VA Through Appropriations – Ensuring no cuts to the benefits veterans have earned.

●      Major Richard Star Act – Providing full retirement pay and disability benefits to veterans with a disability rating of at least 50%, regardless of years of service.

●      VA Same Day Scheduling Act – Requiring the VA to provide appointment times on the initial call, ending scheduling delays.

●      Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act – Expanding funding for home care options, enabling veterans to stay at home rather than in nursing facilities.

●      Veterans Education is Timeless Act – Removing expiration dates on GI Bill benefits so veterans can access education at any time.

●      Love Lives On Act – Ending penalties that cause surviving spouses to lose benefits if they remarry.

●      ACES Act – Addressing cancer risks for veterans who served in aviation roles, directing the VA to study ways to protect these service members.

The event underscored Rep. Garcia’s dedication to cutting through the red tape and ensuring that veterans get the timely, high-quality care they deserve. “Enough is enough. Our veterans shouldn’t have to fight for what they’re owed. We’re pushing for real accountability and resources to deliver the care they’ve earned,” Rep. Garcia said.

Learn more about Rep. Garcia’s ongoing work to support veterans here.