WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Dave Joyce’s (OH-14) Safe Harbor Equal Access amendment passed the House of Representatives as a part of the Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. The amendment was also introduced by Representatives Brian Mast (R-FL), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), and Barbara Lee (D-CA) and cosponsored by Representatives Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Jim McGovern (D-MA).

Specifically, this bipartisan amendment would prevent the VA from interfering with a veteran’s ability to participate in a state medical marijuana program, reaffirm that veterans’ benefits cannot be revoked for participating in this treatment option, and ensure health care providers are not penalized by VA for making recommendations or completing forms in compliance with state medical marijuana programs.

“As the son of a World War II veteran who was wounded on the battlefield, I’ve seen firsthand the many challenges our nation’s heroes face when they return home,” said Congressman Joyce in his floor remarks. “We should all be resolved to help expand access to treatments for the medical challenges – both mental and physical – our nation’s veterans experience. I’m proud to join my colleagues in leading this commonsense effort to help our country’s veterans access medical treatment.”

Read the full text of the amendment here.

Watch Congressman Joyce’s full remarks on the amendment here.