Baldwin Votes To Strengthen Veterans' Health Benefits

Press Release

Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin today voted to ensure that veterans and their families get the care and support they need and deserve. The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act (S. 1963) passed today in the House will reform and improve veterans' health services by supporting wounded veterans and their families and caregivers, expanding care for female veterans, improving mental health services, and increasing access to health care for veterans in rural areas.

"We have an obligation to leave no veteran behind, and I am working to fulfill that promise," said Congresswoman Baldwin. "Our veterans deserve our support and the health care services they need on returning to civilian life. This legislation will ensure that we provide veterans full access to health care while addressing their changing needs," Baldwin said.

The legislation will improve health services for the growing population of female veterans. It will allow the Veterans Administration (VA) to provide care for female veterans' newborns for the first time in history. It will also improve access to care for veterans in rural areas, ensure that the VA can better treat veterans suffering from mental health issues, and provide the VA with resources to learn more about the tragically high suicide rate among veterans. This legislation will also support family members and caregivers who look after our injured veterans to bring them the relief they deserve.

The bill passed today builds on a record of Congressional action benefiting our veterans and troops over the last three years, including the new G.I. Bill to provide returning troops with the promise of a college education, historic investments in veterans' health care, expanding economic opportunities for returning soldiers, and improving care for those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

The bill, supported by a broad coalition of veterans groups including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Wounded Warriors Project and the National Military Family Association, now goes to the President for his signature.

Source