[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      VETERANS TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY CARE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2014

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2014

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4276, 
the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Improvement Act of 2014.
  Mr. Speaker, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which have demanded 
multiple deployments for many of our nation's courageous soldiers, have 
taken a psychological toll on U.S. service members.
  As our brave military men and women fight to defend our great 
country, they put themselves at risk of combat-related health problems, 
including traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder 
(PTSD) and other brain related maladies.
  More than 280,000 United States service members have been diagnosed 
with a degree of TBI in the past 10 years, and more than 19 percent of 
veterans may have some form of the disorder.
  There is no doubt that these fearless men and women suffering from 
traumatic brain injuries deserve not only our gratitude, but also our 
support throughout recovery and treatment.
  Thanks to the Assisted Living Pilot Program, these veterans 
struggling daily with TBI will be provided with 24-hour assisted living 
help.
  Mr. Speaker, our United States veterans bravely put their life on the 
line to defend our freedoms and to keep our nation safe.
  By passing H.R. 4276, veterans combating TBI and PTSD will receive 
assistance to enhance their rehabilitation, quality of life, and 
community integration.
  The Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Care Act expands the requirements 
for Veterans Affairs Department reports to affirm the enrollment, 
completion, and effectiveness of the pilot program.
  The community-integrated rehabilitation treatment provided by the 
pilot program will serve as a vital resource to our veterans as they 
overcome burdensome health problems.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4276 to show their 
support and gratitude for the sacrifices made by our service men and 
women, and to ensure that veterans battling traumatic brain injuries 
receive the care and rehabilitation they deserve.

                          ____________________