WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, introduced legislation to improve veterans' health care.  The Veterans' Health Care Authorization Act of 2009 is an updated version of a bill introduced in the previous Congress to improve medical personnel incentives and other aspects of veterans' health care.  

"VA must have the tools to recruit and retain a qualified health care workforce if the Department is to furnish high quality health care across its system.  I urge my colleagues to join my renewed effort to bring these essential improvements to those who have worn the uniform," said Akaka.

The Veterans' Health Care Authorization Act includes:

• Recruitment and retention incentives for VA medical professionals, such as pay, benefits, scholarship programs, and work schedules, to attract top quality clinicians;
• Improvements in services and care for women veterans, who compose a significant and growing segment of the military and veteran population; and
• Pilot programs to assist family caregivers, provide outreach and assistance to returning servicemembers in their communities, and help prevent homelessness among veterans.  

To read Chairman Akaka's introductory floor statement on the bill, please click here. 

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January 15, 2009