A NEW DIRECTION FOR VETERANS & TROOPS
A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE 110th CONGRESS

The new Congress has pledged to put our troops and veterans first.

By restoring GI Bill veterans education benefits, improving veterans' health care, rebuilding our military, and strengthening other benefits for our troops and military families, we are working to keep our promises to our courageous and faithful men and women in uniform.

For too long, officials in Washington have neglected our troops and veterans in a time of war.

On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.

Increasing veterans funding by nearly $12 billion since January 2007 - including the largest single increase in the 77-year history of the VA.

Strengthening quality health care for 5.8 million patients and earned
benefits for all veterans.

Focusing quality care on the 325,000 veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, particularly those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Providing much-needed maintenance of VA health care facilities.

Earning the endorsement of the American Legion, Disabled American
Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and other major veterans' groups who hailed this historic legislation as a "major victory" and an "impressive commitment" to our veterans.

Building on this progress by providing another historic increase for 2009-11 percent more than last year and $3.3 billion more than the President's request -to bolster veterans' health care.

Restoring the promise of a full, four-year college education for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, making them part of the economic recovery through a new GI Bill for the 21st Century.

Giving troops a pay raise of 3.5 percent in 2008 and 3.9 percent in 2009 - larger than the President's budget in both years. (House)

Providing significant tax relief for military families

Cleaning up the scandal of inadequate care for our wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and facilities nationwide.

Strengthening Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain
Injury care at military facilities and preventing TRICARE and veterans
health care fee increases.

Providing relief and homeownership opportunities for returning veterans by extending the ban on housing foreclosures from 90 days to 1 year and increasing VA home loan limits.

Providing Family Medical Leave for families of soldiers wounded in combat.

Conducting oversight on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center scandal, gaps in the DOD and VA health care systems, veterans suicide, and excessive bonuses for top VA officials.

Providing more Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles than the President, which are proven to save lives in Iraq.

Creating a Strategic Reserve Readiness Fund to rapidly address military equipment shortfalls, including Army National Guard equipment.

Ensuring more equipment, training, and body armor for our troops.

Strengthening National Guard preparedness for disaster response here at home, including providing more equipment.

Giving troops adequate time at home to reduce strain on those serving multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.     

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