Washington, DC – May 5, 2010, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson commended the President for signing the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act into law. The new law ensures that veterans and their families get the care and support they need and deserve after they put their lives on the line defending our country.

“This Congress made a promise to leave no veteran behind, and every day we continue to fulfill that promise,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “It is our duty to serve the brave men and women in uniform that serve our country.”

The new law builds on a record of accomplishments for veterans and troops over the last three years under the Democratic-led Congress – including the new G.I. Bill to provide returning troops with the promise of a college education; historic investments in veterans’ health care and providing that funding one year in advance to prevent political or legislative delays; expanding economic opportunities for returning soldiers and improving care for those with PTSD.

To address the unique needs of the growing number of returning women soldiers, the law improves health services for almost 2 million female veterans. The VA will be able to provide care for female veterans’ newborns for the first time in history. It also supports family members and caregivers who look after our injured veterans to bring them the relief they deserve.  This law also improves access to care for veterans in rural areas, ensures that the VA can better treat veterans suffering from mental health issues, and provides the VA with resources to learn more about the tragically high suicide rate among veterans.

“Our soldiers serve with honor and when they come home, they deserve the best services we can offer,” said Congresswoman Johnson. “That’s why we’ve made historic investments to improve veterans’ health care, raised our troops’ salaries and helped smooth their transition back from the battlefield. This bill will ensure that we can address the changing medical needs of our veterans and that all our veterans have full access to quality health care.”

In another move to improve health benefits for veterans, the VA today updated its online application process, making it easier for veterans to apply for these benefits. Veterans may complete or download the 10-10EZ form at the VA health eligibility website at https://www.1010ez.med.va.gov/sec/vha/1010ez/, or visit the VA health eligibility website at www.va.gov/healtheligibility.

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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.