Our servicemen and women and military veterans swore an oath to protect America. They and their families have sacrificed greatly on our behalf. Congress has an obligation to serve those who have served our country. In support of policies that will improve the care we provide our military men, women, and veterans, I voted for the FY 2008 Military Construction and Veterans Appropriations, which has been approved by the House of Representatives. It would provide a 12 percent increase in funding for veterans and military construction.
Earlier in the year, I voted for the Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007 (H.R. 2199), which designates a special program within the Department of Veterans Affairs to assist with the long term care and rehabilitation needs of those veterans suffering from traumatic brain injuries. It also provides research and education support to improve the treatment of veterans with brain injuries.
Additionally, I cosponsored the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act (H.R. 3793). News recently circulated that veterans unable to fulfill their terms of service due to injuries incurred during battle were denied their service bonuses or required to return a portion of them. Military leadership has since confirmed that official policy allows these soldiers to receive their full bonuses, and it has committed to fixing any administrative problems. H.R. 3793, which passed the House, is a legislative safeguard that would require the Department of Defense to pay full bonuses to veterans medically discharged due to combat-related wounds. Veterans injured in battle deserve no less.