Senate Passes Harkin-Authored Family Assistance Provisions & Soldier Health Care In Final Defense Bill

Legislation heading to President's desk includes Harkin's push for more support for Guard & Reserve families, better health care for members of the armed forces, and pay raise for soldiers

December 14, 2007 -- Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate today approved a national defense bill that includes Senator Tom Harkin’s (D-IA) provisions aimed at caring for members of the armed forces and their families. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) included provisions from Harkin’s Coming Together for Guard and Reserve Families bill, Harkin-supported Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors act and a 3.5 percent soldier pay raise. The NDAA now heads to President Bush’s desk for his signature.

Harkin and Congressman Bruce Braley (D-IA) introduced the Coming Together for Guard and Reserve Families bill earlier this year. The Harkin-Braley provisions inserted in NDAA will increase outreach and support for families of those deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, especially members of the National Guard and Reserve. The outreach efforts will help family members prepare and update family care plans and provide information on health care and mental health services and benefits, financial counseling, and services for children.

“The 1st Battalion of the 133rd Infantry of Iowa’s National Guard inspired me to craft this legislation. They have bravely served one of the longest continuous deployments of the Iraq war during which the federal government failed to provide appropriate support and assistance to their families as they struggled to cope,” said Harkin. “This bill recognizes that National Guard and Reserve families have health and support needs that must be addressed, just like the families of active duty soldiers.”

The bill also includes initiatives and resources to ensure proper healthcare for veterans and active duty members, especially those with Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Specifically, the bill addresses inconsistencies in the disability evaluations of the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), improves poor medical facilities, and cuts through red tape when soldiers transition between the DoD and VA. Harkin co-sponsored the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act, which is incorporated into the NDAA.

“We have heard from our veterans and service members and have seen enough national news reports to know that the men and women who serve our country often face neglect and poor treatment when they are trying to obtain medical care,” continued Harkin. “We must work to give our military personnel and veterans the care they deserve. Supporting our troops means supporting them not only in battle, but also when they come home.”

Source: Senator Tom Harkin

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