Taking Care of our Veterans

Serving in the United States Military is one of the most noble and meaningful jobs that any American can have. Whether stationed overseas, in Montana, at Malmstrom Air Force Base or elsewhere, these individuals are performing an invaluable service for our nation.

I have tremendous gratitude for the service of our veterans, and believe it's essential for us to take care of them as they have taken care of us. I have worked hard my entire career to provide our veterans with the benefits, health care, and recognition they so richly deserve.

There are more than 100,000 veterans residing in Montana. Protecting these heroes is of the utmost importance to me, and I'll continue to do everything I can, in Washington and back home in Montana, to fulfill this commitment.

Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009

According to a 2008 RAND study, nearly 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. The Army's suicide rate has increased every year since the Iraq war began and, in 2008, the Army reported 143 suicides - the highest number since the Army began keeping records almost 30 years ago. It pains me to hear of the young men and women whose lives are cut short, or who silently grapple with behavioral health issues. That is why I introduced Senate Bill 711, the Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009. This legislation, modeled on a program created by the Montana National Guard, requires the military to provide in-person screenings for every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Marine after they return from combat, and every six months thereafter, for two years. All this effort will be well worth it if even one life is saved.

Recently, this plan was added as an amendment to the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act. I anticipate that the bill will become law in the near future. The bill is strongly endorsed by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, the National Guard Association, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Our men and women in uniform are the bravest and most honorable individuals I know, and I'm going to do everything I can to make sure they are properly taken care of.

Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act

Our veterans courageously put their lives on the line to protect the everyday freedoms we enjoy. I'm committed to helping them find good-paying jobs after they've completed their service. That is why I introduced the Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act of 2009. This bill passed into law as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It will help unemployed veterans, those who left the military between 2008 and 2010, find jobs. If unemployed veterans receive unemployment payments for at least four weeks, then the Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act provides employers with a work opportunity tax credit for hiring them. It is imperative that we encourage employers to hire veterans, so that they have the opportunity to be as successful in the civilian world as they were while serving our country.

GI Bill for the 21st Century

Veterans' service to the United States doesn't end when they leave the armed forces. They continue to play an important role in our society for the rest of their lives. That's why I fought hard for the Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2007, also known as the GI Bill for the 21st Century, which passed Congress this past spring. The bill makes it possible for thousands of veterans to go to college, and increases benefits to adjust for the high cost of higher education today. In addition, the bill adds flexibility for those who wish to pursue a degree in a program while on active duty. Men and women on active duty have the option to pursue programs on a half-time basis, to take on an apprenticeship, or to sign up for correspondence courses. It is crucial that those who have given so much to our country are granted their hard-earned benefits.

One-Time Economic Recovery Payments

In the Jobs Bill, I was proud to have recently included a one-time $250 Economic Recovery Payment in 2009 for each of Montana's 16,956 veterans receiving disability compensation or pension benefits. The bill also contains significant tax breaks for employers who hire veterans who have left the military in the last five years and are struggling to find jobs in the economic downturn. In total, the jobs bill includes more than one billion dollars for improvements to Veterans Affairs hospitals across the country. This bill is a great step towards improving the quality of care for Montana's veterans.

Helping Veterans Find Jobs at Home

I fought hard to pass the Help Our Patriots Employment (HOPE) Act to provide incentives for employers to hire service-connected disabled veterans and to improve adjustment assistance and job-training transition for injured and disabled veterans. The legislation ensures that small businesses are eligible for tax breaks if they hire disable veterans.

Increasing Funding for Health Care

I understand that the VA in Montana is finding itself in an increasingly difficult financial pinch from dealing with the growing numbers of veterans seeking care. Each year I work together with the Senate Appropriations Committee to increase funding for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In recent years, I have been proud to support the largest increases in funding for the VA in American history. Though this is a great first step, much more needs to be done.

It is of the utmost importance to ensure that those who have given so much for our country are granted their due benefits and treated with respect. I've repeatedly backed legislation to make health care more accessible to veterans. I also voted to allow veterans who are eligible for Medicare to receive their health care at a VA facility. I'll continue to fight to ensure that our nation's vets have access to the quality health care and prescription drug benefits they need.

Expanding the Reach of Rural Clinics

I realize that in many rural parts of the country the nearest VA medical facility can be hundreds of miles away. This can be a grueling trip, especially for older veterans. I'm proud to have worked with Senator Tester to increase the mileage reimbursement paid to veterans from 11 cents to 41.5 cents per mile. But I believe it is also critical to get the services veterans need closer to where they live. I've been working hard to expand the locations and services of the VA primary care facilities in Montana. Veterans in Lewistown, Cut Bank and Havre have recently received new Community Based Outpatient Clinics and the VA Clinics in Billings, Kalispell, Anaconda, and Missoula have recently expanded to better serve our veterans.

Although these changes are important, they are not enough. Enormous challenges remain which prevent veterans from accessing the care they need. I'll keep fighting to improve the quality and accessibility of the VA care our veterans receive.

Relief for Rural Veterans in Crisis Act

To help Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffering from PTSD in rural areas, I introduced the Relief for Rural Veterans in Crisis Act of 2008, which was included as provision to the recently passed Medicare bill. This program would expand an existing Medicare program - the Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (Flex Program) to enable states to apply for grants to bolster the ability of rural hospitals to provide mental health services for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The expansion builds on the program's successful 10-year history of improving health care in rural areas. I was proud to recently secure $2 million to start the program this year.