Featured Stories

May 8, 2008

Providing For Our Men and Women in Uniform

The extended involvement of the American military in combat situations in Iraq and Afghanistan have brought to the forefront our need to consider the unique and difficult circumstances our military and their families face before, during, and after deployment. Although by no means exhaustive, recent congressional efforts have looked to address the challenges men and women in uniform face as they return to home and life with their loved ones.

Several recent proposals have been set forth to update benefits troops are eligible for under the GI Bill. I recently joined Senate colleagues to cosponsor the Enhancement of Recruitment, Retention, and Readjustment Through Education Act to immediately increase education benefits and provide more leeway for service members to transfer education benefits to their dependents. Although different proposals have been set forth in regard to upgrading the benefits service members get, we all agree that something must be done to address the GI benefits today's military men and women receive and will look for ways to do so.

In addition to education benefits, I have also advocated better care for America's wounded veterans. Last year, I authored legislation to improve access to mental health treatments for troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

I also recently added my support to a measure that would provide travel assistance for family members of men and women in uniform who are receiving inpatient treatment for serious psychological conditions following their time in combat. Current law provides travel assistance only for family members to be with those classified as seriously ill or injured, which excludes psychiatric conditions.

These bills are just a few of the various plans now introduced in Congress to address the benefits and care earned by our men and women in uniform, and our newest veterans from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is my sincerest desire to have both the House and Senate seriously debate and pass some of these plans. We know the need is there and we should act to help our modern-day warriors who continue to fight valiantly on our behalf. I, for one, will continue to push for progress on meeting these needs.