[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 128 (Saturday, August 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             VETERANS' HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2007

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                               speech of

                           HON. HEATH SHULER

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 30, 2007

  Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2874, the 
Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007, which will make the 
readjustment period easier for our troops returning from combat. It 
focuses on the improvement of mental health services as well as 
homelessness prevention.
  These brave men and women in uniform have dedicated themselves to 
defending our freedom, and as a grateful nation we owe them whatever 
support we can provide to ensure that after they return home our 
veterans have their needs met.
  This bill puts into place a number of important and timely measures 
to improve the care offered to veterans. It allows for readjustment 
counseling and mental health services provided by qualified peers. This 
will allow veterans to receive whatever therapy they might require to 
readjust to civilian life from fellow veterans who have undergone a 
similar process, and are best placed to offer understanding and quality 
care.
  I am especially pleased that this legislation contains provisions 
addressing the needs of female veterans. It also deals with the 
prevention of homelessness for returning troops. The problem of 
homelessness is worse for the veteran community than society at large, 
and thus we must ensure that all programs, for both men and women, are 
of a high standard.
  Finally, H.R. 2874 offers more support to low-income veteran families 
living in permanent housing. The Federal Government needs to provide 
more assistance to these families and the organizations that help care 
for them, and I am pleased that this bill offers that assistance. I 
urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation and support our 
troops as they return from their courageous missions.




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