On July 30, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Senator Mike Johanns (R-NE) introduced S. 1387, the Housing Assistance for Veterans (HAVEN) Act. The bill would authorize a five year $20 million grant program. The program could be administered by HUD, and funds could be used for home repairs and improvements for low income veterans or veterans with disabilities. Under the bill, the disability would not have to be service-related.“I urge my Senate colleagues to swiftly take up and pass this bipartisan legislation to help all veterans live in safe, suitable homes that meet their unique needs,” Senator Reed said in a statement. In a statement released upon the bill’s introduction, Senator Johanns said, “We owe it to those who have sacrificed so much protecting our homeland to ensure they have a safe and accessible home to return to following their tour of service.” Companion legislation has not been introduced in the House in the 113th Congress. The HAVEN Act passed the House in the 112th Congress as part of broader legislation but the measure was not acted on by the end of the Congress (see Memo, 1/4).The full bill text will be available on www.Thomas.gov. View Senator Reed’s statement at: http://1.usa.gov/1b3kM6j View Senator Johanns’ statement at: http://1.usa.gov/17qF6L9