Herrera Beutler’s bill signed into law

President Donald Trump signed a bill introduced by Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Battle Ground, into law Tuesday evening.

Herrera Beutler’s bill, which would waive a home loan fee for active-duty Purple Heart recipients, was wrapped into the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019.

The change allows around 8,000 active-duty service members to apply for a Department of Veterans Affairs home loan program without paying the fee, which ranges from $4,000 to $10,000.

Previously, only veterans with a service-related disability were eligible for the home loan fee waiver.

“We’re doing right today by our incredible military service members who, though wounded in combat, continue to fight for our freedom. I’m so pleased to see this legislation cross the finish line and be able to assist our nation’s heroes afford homes for their families,” Herrera Beutler said in a media release Wednesday.