Issue Position: Fighting for Veterans

Issue Position

Since America's inception, this country's values and freedoms have been tested time and again, and U.S. men and women in uniform have answered the call. Americans now live in a world where radical terrorists seek to threaten the United States. But, because of the bravery and selflessness of the U.S. military, America's freedom remains a beacon of hope for the world.

When America's finest began coming home, many with serious but invisible mental wounds, Chuck Grassley worked with his colleagues to pass the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act that directed the VA to immediately begin implementing a comprehensive effort to prevent suicide among veterans. The bill is named in memory of Joshua Omvig, an Iowan who committed suicide after returning home from serving his country in Iraq.

And, when a member of the military's service ends, Grassley recognized that the nature of military service makes it more difficult for veterans to find employment. He put pressure on the federal government to ramp up its hiring of recent combat veterans and secured a commitment for a renewed effort from the federal agencies.

Grassley's working to ensure that the new heroes coming home from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have the help they need, both mentally and physically. He is pushing for federal legislation that expands mental health services, improves traumatic brain injury care, provides additional support for family caregivers and enhances VA health care for veterans who are women. He's also pressing for answers from the VA about an unacceptable backlog in the processing of benefits for veterans.

In 2009, Grassley was honored by the American Legion, the nation's largest veterans service organization, with its Distinguished Public Service Award.

Source