Brown Works To Better Meet The Needs Of Women Veterans

Statement

Today, Congressman Henry E. Brown, Jr. (R-SC), Ranking Republican Member of the VA Subcommittee on Health, made the following statement after passage of H.R. 1211, the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, legislation that would work to better provide for female veterans by conducting independent studies to look at the issues they face when trying to obtain VA health care:

"Throughout history, women have played a vital role in supporting our national defense. Currently, women make up about eight percent of the total veteran population and VA estimates that by 2020, women veterans will comprise about ten percent of the veteran population.

Women are the fastest growing segment of the veteran population. And, it is essential to make sure that VA is providing specialized programs and services to meet their unique physical and mental health needs. That is why I am pleased to be a cosponsor of H.R. 1211, the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act.

Recognizing that we have a new generation of women veterans serving in Operations Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, this legislation would also ensure that recently separated women veterans have a voice on the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans and minority veterans on the Advisory Committee on Minority Veterans."

Specifically, H.R. 1211, the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, would require the VA to conduct independent studies to look at the issues women veterans face in obtaining VA health care, assess the services currently being provided and develop a plan to better meet the need of women veterans.

It would also allow VA to provide limited care to newborns of woman veterans receiving maternity care through VA. Additionally, it would establish a pilot program to provide child care assistance for certain qualified veterans while they are receiving care at the VA.

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