April 2010
Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (NY-28) honored America’s veterans and urged her colleagues to support landmark legislation that provides support to wounded and women veterans.
“As the heroes of our country, we believe our veterans and their families deserve the very best benefits to ensure peace of mind. This landmark legislation will provide support to family and others who care for disabled, ill, or injured veterans; will enhance health services for the 1.8 million women veterans, including care for newborns for the 1st time in history; to expand mental health services for veterans and health care access for veterans in rural areas; and to prohibit copayments for veterans who are catastrophically disabled,” Slaughter said in a statement entered into the Congressional Record.
This afternoon, the House is set to approve the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act, legislation that salutes veterans for their courage and bravery and recognizes the tremendous sacrifices made by families. It does this by giving caregivers additional support with increased access to family resources, counseling and mental health services, and respite care for family and other caregivers of veterans.
The veterans caregivers act is supported by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project and the National Military Family Association. They have said it “offers bold solutions to major challenges facing service members, veterans, and their families.”
Slaughter has been a leader on women’s veterans issues and has introduced the Military Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Act, which will combat sexual assault in the military and increase veterans who are victims’ of sexual assault, stalking or sexual harassment access to health care and mental health benefits their deserve.
This legislation expands and improves Veteran Affairs (VA) health care services for the women by providing, for the first time in history, up to seven days for women veterans to care for their newborn children, and enhancing treatment for sexual trauma for women at the VA.
The veterans caregiver act builds on the significant accomplishments for veterans, troops, and military families over the last three years under the New Direction Congress – including the New GI Bill, the building of more military child care centers and better military family housing, and historic investments to strengthen quality veterans’ health care.
A summary of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act is available below.
The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act At a Glance
This vital legislation will: