Stabenow Votes to Expand Services for Nation's Veterans

Press Release

Stabenow Votes to Expand Services for Nation's Veterans

United States Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) voted yesterday for the Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009, S.1963, which passed by a vote of 98-0. Senator Stabenow is a cosponsor of the major provisions included in this bill.

This comprehensive legislation will expand health services for veterans, improve services for women veterans, provide additional benefits for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI), and create stronger standards of care in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill must now be passed in the House before President Obama signs it into law.

"With the nation recently observing Veterans' Day, this legislation sends an important message of support to our servicemen and women," said Stabenow. "It strengthens our VA health care system by addressing the significant problems facing the new generation of veterans returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan. It helps fulfill our promise to those who have made so many sacrifices in serving our country."

The Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act takes significant steps to improve the quality of care provided to veterans. It sets high standards for VA physicians and designates Quality Assurance Officers in our VA medical facilities. The bill provides dental insurance to eligible veterans and their survivors. It requires the VA to address deficiencies in health care services for women. The bill provides benefits for survivors of veterans who commit suicide as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI). The bill provides scholarships for mental health training to veterans who make a commitment to provide mental health services in our VA hospitals. The bill also creates an important new benefit for in-home care for disabled veterans who live in rural areas.

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