[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 58 (Thursday, April 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E618]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CAREGIVERS AND VETERANS OMNIBUS HEALTH SERVICES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 21, 2010

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of S. 1963, the 
Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009.
  The United States of America has a moral obligation to provide for 
all the brave men and women whose courageous service allows all of us 
to live the lives we do.
  This service comes not without a price, and America must provide for 
these service members and their families during deployment and post-
deployment.
  Our disabled, ill and injured veterans need the assistance and care 
they deserve for their sacrifice.
  S. 1963 will expand mental health services for veterans; enhance 
health services for 1.8 million women veterans--which for the first 
time includes care for newborns.
  This is a landmark legislation that builds upon the last three years 
of significant accomplishments for veterans, troops and military 
families.
  S. 1963 will allow for a caregiver of a veteran to receive training, 
counseling, lodging and subsistence payments when accompanying a 
veteran on medical care visits.
  We must ensure that those who care for our veterans are properly 
equipped and trained to do so.
  In addition, we will prohibit the VA from collecting copayments from 
veterans who are catastrophically disabled.
  I am proud to vote for S. 1963, on behalf of all the service members, 
veterans and their families in my District. I urge my colleagues to 
support this bill.

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