Senator Pat Toomey is proud of our men and women in uniform who are currently serving to protect the United States. The son of a former U.S. Marine and representing a state with one of the largest veteran populations in the country, he is also acutely aware of the nation's commitment to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed to preserve our freedom. He understands how important it is that we continue to provide quality medical care and other benefits to all veterans, both to those who served a generation ago and to those just returning from fighting in the war against terrorism.

Since joining the Senate, Sen. Toomey has been constantly working to help Pennsylvania's veterans obtain the services and benefits they rightfully deserve and welcomes the opportunity to be of assistance. He also looks forward to working with his Senate colleagues on additional ways to help ensure the welfare of our veterans and their families.

He introduced the Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention Act (S. 1689) to protect Veterans Affairs facility patients from sexual assault. A June 2011 Government Accountability Office Report found serious lapses in the reporting of sexual assault in VA facilities, due, in part, to the lack of clear definitions, requirements and a central database for collecting and storing reports of assault. The Veterans Sexual Assault Prevention Act will address these and other issues found in the GAO report by providing a new standard of care and protection for patients at VA facilities in Pennsylvania and across the country.

This legislation is supported by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

During his second year in the Senate, Sen. Toomey looks forward to offering additional legislation supporting the welfare of our veterans.