[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 178 (Friday, December 9, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7016-S7017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION BILL

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I wish to applaud the passage of the 
National Defense Authorization Act. This week, the Senate 
overwhelmingly passed the NDAA Conference Report, and I am proud that 
the final bill includes my Fairness for Veterans provision.
  We have far too many servicemembers who are suffering from trauma 
related conditions like posttraumatic stress disorder or traumatic 
brain injury. Unfortunately, many of these servicemembers have received 
a less-than-honorable discharge, instead of the help and assistance 
they have earned. Last year, I introduced the Fairness for Veterans 
Act. I am proud to say that a modified version of that bill was 
included as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act.
  The Peters provision ensures liberal consideration will be given to 
petitions for changes in characterization of service related to PTSD or 
TBI before discharge review boards. It also clarifies that PTSD or TBI 
claims that are related to military sexual trauma should also receive 
liberal consideration.
  I would like to thank my colleagues--Senators Daines, Tillis, and 
Gillibrand--for joining me in leading the charge on this very important 
issue. In addition to being a bipartisan effort, this has also been a 
bicameral effort. I would like to thank Representatives Mike Coffman of 
Colorado and Tim Walz of Minnesota who introduced the companion bill in 
the House and have supported the NDAA provision.
  Additionally, I would like to thank the many veteran service 
organizations that advocated tirelessly on behalf of this legislation. 
These organizations knocked on doors, wrote letters, held press 
conferences--whatever it took to have their voices heard.
  I would like to recognize Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, 
Disabled Veterans of America, Military Officers Association of America, 
the American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Vietnam Veterans of 
America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, United Soldiers and Sailors of 
America, and Swords to Plowshares.
  Finally, I would like to thank one veteran in particular: Kristopher 
Goldsmith. After serving his country, Kris faced his own struggles with 
PTSD after serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Determined, Kris has 
channeled his personal struggles into advocacy on behalf of his fellow 
veterans. He was relentless in his quest to ensure that former 
servicemembers looking to get a change in service characterization had 
a fair shot. I thank Kris for his service, as well as for his 
determination.
  Servicemembers who are coping with invisible wounds inflicted during 
their service and receive a related bad paper discharge should not lose 
access to benefits they have rightfully earned. That is why we must 
ensure all veterans get

[[Page S7017]]

the fair process they deserve when petitioning for a change in 
characterization of their discharge. Fairness for Veterans will do just 
that.
  While I am proud that the final NDAA bill includes Fairness for 
Veterans--make no mistake--there is still a great deal more work to be 
done. I will continue working with the Defense Department to ensure 
that discharge review boards are providing the appropriate 
consideration when reviewing PTSD and TBI related appeals.
  I applaud the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, and 
I intend to continue fighting on behalf of our Nation's veterans. Thank 
you.

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