U.S. REP. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS VOTES TO SUPPORT AMERICA’S VETERANS

Four bills pass House with strong bipartisan majorities

WASHINGTON –U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords today voted on four bills aimed at improving the lives of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

“America’s veterans were there for us when our nation needed them most,” said Giffords, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. “Today, as we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, Congress honored their service by passing legislation that shows our nation will be there for them when they need us most.”

Each of the four bills voted on by the House this afternoon passed with strong bipartisan majorities. They are:

• The Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act – A bill increasing the annual compensation rate for disabled veterans and their dependent survivors by the same cost-of-living adjustment payable to Social Security recipients.

• The Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act – A bill expanding health care services available to women veterans, especially those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The measure requires the VA to implement a study on health care barriers and to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the VA's health care programs for women veterans; directs the VA to provide medical care for newborn children of women veterans receiving maternity care; authorizes a pilot program for child care assistance at VA facilities; and requires training for VA mental health care providers who provide care for veterans suffering from sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.

• The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act – A bill authorizing healthcare funding for the Veterans Affairs Department one year in advance of the start of each fiscal year. Advance appropriations would provide the VA with time to plan how to deliver the most efficient and effective care to an increasing number of veterans with increasingly complex medical conditions and avoid delays in services.

• H.R. 1172, Establishment of a website VA scholarships – A bill requiring the VA to post a list of scholarships for veterans and their survivors on its website by June 1, 2010.

“As the representative of a district with two military installations and a large number of veterans, I know how important it is to keep our promises to the courageous men and women who served in our armed forces,” said Giffords. “On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.”