December 22, 2005
Media contact: Jeff Schrade (202)224-9093

(Washington, DC) During a late night session in Washington, DC, the U.S. Senate on Wednesday approved two bills which will improve the health care of the nation's military veterans.

"Congress has sent a powerful message to the troops that we support you and will continue to support you when you get home. Much of the new health care bill (S. 1182) will ensure that our returning service members get the care and attention that they need so that they can enjoy long and healthy lives after defending our freedom," said Craig (R-Idaho), who sponsored the legislation. "With the passage of the Vet Center Enhancement Act (S. 716), sponsored by Sen. Akaka (D-Hawaii), the ranking member of our committee, we will ensure that parents and immediate family members of soldiers killed in action receive the help they need."

"For rural states, like my state of Idaho, the tele-health provisions of the health care legislation will expand access to important care while reducing the need for long distance travel. For those suffering from PTSD, this new legislation will provide more mental health care services. For our returning National Guard and Reservists, the VA is now directed to reach out and ensure that they receive the care they need."

Under the provisions of S. 1182, the "Veterans Health Care Act of 2005":

? The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will now be allowed to hire Marriage and Family Therapists within VA to provide complete readjustment services and counseling to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF - Afghanistan) veterans

? Requires VA to expand the number of clinical care providers dedicated to the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

? Requires VA to expand tele-health initiatives in rural areas

? Requires VA to expand mental health services in Community-based Outpatient Clinics

? Requires VA to expand the Global War on Terrorism Outreach Program, which places Iraq war and Afghanistan war veterans in Vet Centers and encourages them to reach out to returning National Guard and Reservists

? Requires the Secretary of the VA to establish a strategic plan for long-term care

? Increases total funding for VA's programs to assist homeless veterans to $130 million

? The VA will now be allowed to provide up to 14 days of care for newborns of female veterans

Craig's health care legislative effort is valued at approximately $193 million in 2006, and an estimated $1.2 billion over five years. The value of the Vet Center Enhancement bill is calculated at $180 million for 2006. Funding for the new measures was appropriated earlier in the year when Congress approved the budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The bills now await action by the U.S. House of Representatives.

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