National Defense Authorization Bill

Floor Speech

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Mr. President, I wish to applaud the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act. This week, the Senate overwhelmingly passed the NDAA Conference Report, and I am proud that the final bill includes my Fairness for Veterans provision.

We have far too many servicemembers who are suffering from trauma related conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. Unfortunately, many of these servicemembers have received a less-than-honorable discharge, instead of the help and assistance they have earned. Last year, I introduced the Fairness for Veterans Act. I am proud to say that a modified version of that bill was included as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act.

The Peters provision ensures liberal consideration will be given to petitions for changes in characterization of service related to PTSD or TBI before discharge review boards. It also clarifies that PTSD or TBI claims that are related to military sexual trauma should also receive liberal consideration.

I would like to thank my colleagues--Senators Daines, Tillis, and Gillibrand--for joining me in leading the charge on this very important issue. In addition to being a bipartisan effort, this has also been a bicameral effort. I would like to thank Representatives Mike Coffman of Colorado and Tim Walz of Minnesota who
introduced the companion bill in the House and have supported the NDAA provision.

Additionally, I would like to thank the many veteran service organizations that advocated tirelessly on behalf of this legislation. These organizations knocked on doors, wrote letters, held press conferences--whatever it took to have their voices heard. I would like to recognize Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Disabled Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, United Soldiers and Sailors of America, and Swords to Plowshares.

Finally, I would like to thank one veteran in particular: Kristopher Goldsmith. After serving his country, Kris faced his own struggles with PTSD after serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Determined, Kris has channeled his personal struggles into advocacy on behalf of his fellow veterans. He was relentless in his quest to ensure that former servicemembers looking to get a change in service characterization had a fair shot. I thank Kris for his service, as well as for his determination.

Servicemembers who are coping with invisible wounds inflicted during their service and receive a related bad paper discharge should not lose access to benefits they have rightfully earned. That is why we must ensure all veterans get the fair process they deserve when petitioning for a change in characterization of their discharge. Fairness for Veterans will do just that.

While I am proud that the final NDAA bill includes Fairness for Veterans--make no mistake--there is still a great deal more work to be done. I will continue working with the Defense Department to ensure that discharge review boards are providing the appropriate consideration when reviewing PTSD and TBI related appeals.
I applaud the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, and I intend to continue fighting on behalf of our Nation's veterans. Thank you.

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