Gordon Votes to Support Rural Veterans, Women Veterans and Caregivers

April 22, 2010, WASHINGTON – {This week, Congressman Bart Gordon voted for legislation to address the needs of veterans living in rural areas, veterans requiring mental health services, women veterans and veterans’ caregivers.

“This is the most comprehensive veterans services bill we’ve passed this Congress,” Gordon said of the House Amendment to the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act (S 1963). “Middle Tennessee’s veterans deserve the most convenient and comprehensive care we can provide.”

Gordon highlighted the bill’s measures to expand rural care options as especially important to Middle Tennessee veterans. The new bill would establish grants for organizations that offer transportation assistance to and from hospitals and other medical services. To encourage doctors to set up permanent local services for these veterans, the bill would establish a pilot program offering incentives to doctors that practice in underserved rural community hospitals.

The bill addresses the unique needs of the growing number of returning women soldiers, offering improved health services and providing care for female veterans’ newborns for the first time in history. The bill also provides for additional readjustment counseling for returning veterans and referral services for veterans suffering from mental health injuries.  

Lastly, the bill steps up support for veterans’ caregivers, typically family members who may leave jobs, postpone schooling or make other sacrifices to offer round-the-clock assistance to loved ones with medical problems. The new legislation would offer qualified caregivers counseling, training specific to the veteran’s condition, and 30 days of 24-hour respite care. Certain caregivers could also receive stipends to help make up for lost income.

“When our service members put themselves in harm’s way, their families also put their hearts on the line. When our veterans are in need of care, their families continue to make enormous sacrifices,” Gordon said. “We must do all we can to support veterans and their families.”

Gordon has been a strong advocate for veterans’ care in Middle Tennessee. Gordon successfully fought to preserve medical services in Murfreesboro’s York VA Medical Center and continues to help local veterans cut through red tape to access needed care. Veterans and family members who need assistance obtaining benefits are encouraged to contact Gordon’s office at (615) 896-1986.