Maine Second District Congressman Michael Michaud (D) is praising House passage of a package of bills that contains a measure he authored to help ensure that severely disabled and elderly veterans are able to get the care they need at Maine's state veterans homes.

(Washington, D.C.) _ Michaud's bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts or agreements with state veterans homes in order to make sure they are adequately reimbursed for the care they provide.

"According to the data from the national association of state veteran's homes, the average rate for care is roughly $359.00 per veteran, per day, while the VA only reimbursed the homes $235.00 per day," Michaud said on the floor of the U.S House.

Michaud said the bill is now cleared for President Obama's signature into law.