October 22, 2010, 10:16AM

Staten Island, NY - Rep. Michael E. McMahon (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) was recently placed on the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Congressional Report Card “A List” for his dedication to veterans’ health and safety.  In this annual report, the IAVA grades legislators based on their voting record and leadership in issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.  Rep. McMahon is pleased to hear of this result, as one of his top priorities is ensuring the safety and protection of those who have fought for our country. 
 
“I am truly excited to learn that I have received an “A” on the IAVA’s 2010 Congressional Report Card,” said Rep. McMahon.  “I am dedicated to protecting the health, rights, and benefits of the men and women who serve our country in uniform.  Since my first days in Congress their safety has been my number one concern.  I am truly grateful to be recognized by this organization that represents our most recent courageous veterans.”
 
Since entering Congress, Rep. McMahon has made it one of his top priorities to fight for America’s service men and women.   In his pursuit on behalf of veterans Rep. McMahon formed the bi-partisan Invisible Wounds Caucus to investigate the alarmingly high levels of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), clinical depression, and suicide rates among the currently deployed and recently returned service members involved in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.   The Invisible Wounds Caucus has held multiple briefings and hearings in addition to introducing and pursuing legislation aimed at helping veterans.
 
The IAVA recently endorsed Rep. McMahon’s bill, The Veteran’s Mental Health Screening Act - H.R. 1308, co-sponsored by Rep. Tom Rooney (R-FL).  This bill requires all service members to have mental health screenings upon return from Iraq and Afghanistan, and increases funding for mental health programs.  Rep. McMahon also recently introduced the Traumatic Brain Injury Coverage and Support Act.  This act allows veterans diagnosed with TBI to receive Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits even if the doctor or neurologist practices outside the VA system.   Earlier this month, Rep. McMahon wrote a letter to the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs on behalf of Staten Island Veterans Concerning the disparity in Basic Allowance for Housing.  In this letter Rep. McMahon urged the Secretaries to investigate why Staten Islanders were not receiving the same allowance as residents of New York’s other four Boroughs.