Durbin Statement on Senate Efforts to Support Nation's Veterans

Statement

United States Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued the following statement today on the Senate's passage of the Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act a bipartisan bill which supports our nation's wounded veterans and service members, as well as other steps the Senate is taking to make sure veterans are given the care and support they deserve. The bill also includes a 3.5% pay raise for members of the armed services.

"We've promised these brave men and women that if they take an oath to defend America, we'll stand by them when they come home. Sadly our government has not lived up to that promise. Today, with passage of this bill, we are changing that.

The passage of the Wounded Warriors Act is a major step in addressing a system that has failed far too many of our nation's veterans and service members. This comprehensive bill includes important provisions, which I helped write, that give hope to the thousands of soldiers suffering from traumatic brain injuries - the signature injury of the Iraq war.

The changes we are making are significant. This bill, the Dole-Shalala report and the nomination of a new Secretary of Veterans Affairs should begin to fix the shortfalls of a system designed to help our brave fighting men and women when they come home from war.

The Senate has acted to address these issues and I hope the administration will join us. We owe our veterans so much more than what we're currently providing."

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