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Tanner Helps Enact Landmark Legislation For Wounded Veterans And Women Veterans

Press Release

Date: May 6, 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Women Veterans Health and Health Care

U.S. Rep. John Tanner and the House of Representatives acted recently to address the needs of America's service men and women and their families. The bipartisan bill, the "Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act," was signed into law by the President May 5.

"The men and women who serve in our Armed Forces and their families play a critical role in protecting our freedoms," Congressman Tanner said. "We are proud to offer our support during their service but as importantly, once they have returned home, as well."

The new law:

* provides support to family and others who care for disabled, ill or injured veterans;
* enhances health services for the 1.8 million women veterans, including care for newborns for the 1st time in history;
* expands mental health services for veterans and health care access for veterans in rural areas; and
* prohibits requiring copayments from veterans who are catastrophically disabled.

The new law provides much-needed support services to family and other caregivers of veterans. It also provides health care and a stipend for caregivers living with severely wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Over the past three years, Congress has also passed the New GI Bill, has appropriated funding for the building of additional military child care centers and improved military family housing, as well as provided important investments to strengthen quality veterans' health care.

This legislation won wide support and praise from America's leading veterans' organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AmVets, Wounded Warriors Project, and Disabled American Veterans.

Congressman Tanner represents Tennessee's 8th District in West and Middle Tennessee. A veteran of the U.S. Navy and the Tennessee National Guard, he currently serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and as chairman of the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.


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