Rep. Maloney started her career as an ESL *English as a Second Language) teacher in East Harlem. When her program was cut, her colleagues elected her as their advocate to restore funding - and she succeeded, setting an example that has extended throughout her career, first working with the NYC Department of Education and then as a legislative staffer in Albany. After gaining that experience, in 1982 she ran a long-shot challenge to an incumbent City Council Member in a district that spanned East Harlem, South Bronx, Manhattan Valley, and Carnegie Hill - and she won an improbably upset.
As the daughter, spouse, and sister of veterans, Congresswoman Maloney honors the millions of veterans who live across the country and in New York for their service and sacrifice. Throughout her time in Congress, Congresswoman Maloney has fought to ensure that our returning heroes receive the care and services they deserve.
In New York, Congresswoman Maloney’s office has a dedicated staff member for veterans issues, and if you or someone you know has an issue with a VA claim or requires assistance, please visit this page for more information.
Protect Healthcare for Veterans: For years Congresswoman Maloney has fought efforts by the CARES Commission and the Department of Veterans Affairs to reduce the level and quality of services offered by the Manhattan VA Hospital. The CARES Commission was established to evaluate the existing VA facilities across the country to determine if resources are being used most effectively. However, by closing hospitals and limiting access to health care, America fails in our promise to stand up for the military men and women who have stood up for us. With thousands of veterans waiting six months or more for an appointment at VA medical facilities, the Congresswoman strongly believes that closing or reducing services at VA hospitals is the wrong decision.
Maintaining an Effective VA: The Department of Veterans Affairs provides many vital resources to veterans in this country. Congresswoman Maloney believes Congress must play an active role in ensuring the VA is managed effectively so that all veterans have access to the services they deserve.
Access to Affordable Housing: Congresswoman Maloney is an ardent supporter of affordable housing opportunities for all Americans, especially the veterans who have dedicated their lives to protecting this country. She has worked hard in Congress to extend the VA Home Loan program in order to provide veterans in New York with more opportunities to purchase homes they can afford.
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Rebuilding Manhattan VA Hospital: The 23rd Street Manhattan VA Hospital evacuated about 130 patients in the days leading up to the landfall of Superstorm Sandy. The hospital incurred severe flooding damage during the storm, affecting 150,000 square feet of area and destroying electrical, heating, fire protection, water pumping, medical and technological equipment, much of which was located on ground floors. Congresswoman Maloney supported the Sandy Relief package, including $207 million in federal relief aid used to rebuild the Manhattan VA Hospital. The money contributed to building a flood wall for the facility, relocating equipment to higher floors, rebuilding clinics that were destroyed on the ground level to higher floors and making ground floor repairs.