Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – This afternoon, Representative Mary Sattler Peltola’s first bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives 375-49. The Food Security for all Veterans Act calls for the creation of an Office of Food Security within the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

“The Food Security for all Veterans Act will help ensure that we do all we can to prevent veterans from experiencing food insecurity,” said Peltola. “This is a topic of vital importance to Alaska where veterans comprise of about 10% of the population.” 

“Addressing veterans’ hunger is critical to this committee’s suicide prevention efforts,” said Representative Mark Takano, chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. “I thank our newest member from Alaska, Congresswoman Peltola, for taking up this important issue and prioritizing veterans.”

During her floor remarks on the bill, Peltola cited a report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies that stated food insecurity among U.S. veterans and military families is a national security concern. It multiplies stress on active-duty personnel, diminishes well-being 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’m incredibly grateful for the support of my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, for their support of this important bill,” said Peltola. “I know this will not solve the problem entirely, but I believe it will help in Alaska and throughout the country.”
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