Porter-Valadao legislation would ease servicemembers’ transition from military to civilian life

May 20, 2024 - Last week, Reps. Katie Porter (D-CA) and David G. Valadao (R-CA) introduced the bipartisan Transitioning Veterans Food Security Act to keep veterans’ fridges and pantries stocked as they navigate the often difficult transition to civilian life after military service.

“Veterans have already sacrificed so much for our country; the last thing they should have to worry about when leaving the military is how to find their next meal,” said Congresswoman Porter. “Our hard-working servicemembers deserve every possible tool we can give them to adjust to civilian life. My bipartisan bill with Rep. Valadao will help set the table for a successful transition for our veterans and their families.”

“Our veterans have made unimaginable sacrifices in defense of our freedom, and it is our duty to provide the highest level of care for these brave men and women,” said Congressman Valadao. “Veterans who are fresh out of the military are already navigating a difficult transition to civilian life, and we should be doing everything we can to make this adjustment period easier. I’m proud to support this bipartisan bill with Rep. Porter to ensure our veterans don’t have to worry about putting food on the table while they look for a job and permanent housing.

The Transitioning Veterans Food Security Act would keep veterans and their families from going hungry after leaving military service. During a 100-day transition, veterans’ eligibility for programs that reduce the cost of food would be determined by their sole income, rather than the entire household. This temporary relief would give veterans more time to find work and adjust to civilian life, without worrying about how to put food on the table. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) endorsed the Transitioning Veterans Food Security Act.

As a representative of Southern California, an area with a large number of active-duty military and veterans, Rep. Porter is a staunch advocate in Congress for veterans. In February, she introduced a bill to make purchasing a home more affordable for veterans and military families. Her office also released a report that investigated predatory practices in the VA Home Loan program, and Rep. Porter has led congressional oversight efforts of toxic exposures for veterans formerly stationed at Fort Ord, California.  
Source: Congresswoman Katie Porter