Veterans' Benefits Improvement Act of 2007

Floor Speech

VETERANS' HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2007 -- (Extensions of Remarks - August 04, 2007)

* Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2874, the Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007, which will make the readjustment period easier for our troops returning from combat. It focuses on the improvement of mental health services as well as homelessness prevention.

* These brave men and women in uniform have dedicated themselves to defending our freedom, and as a grateful nation we owe them whatever support we can provide to ensure that after they return home our veterans have their needs met.

* This bill puts into place a number of important and timely measures to improve the care offered to veterans. It allows for readjustment counseling and mental health services provided by qualified peers. This will allow veterans to receive whatever therapy they might require to readjust to civilian life from fellow veterans who have undergone a similar process, and are best placed to offer understanding and quality care.

* I am especially pleased that this legislation contains provisions addressing the needs of female veterans. It also deals with the prevention of homelessness for returning troops. The problem of homelessness is worse for the veteran community than society at large, and thus we must ensure that all programs, for both men and women, are of a high standard.

* Finally, H.R. 2874 offers more support to low-income veteran families living in permanent housing. The Federal Government needs to provide more assistance to these families and the organizations that help care for them, and I am pleased that this bill offers that assistance. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation and support our troops as they return from their courageous missions.

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