One Senator Hold Up Veterans Bill

Too bad the lone Senator is not named, we have the right to know who is staling this legislation.

“With so much good riding on one bill, it is hard to imagine that anyone could oppose this legislation. But there is one senator holding up consideration,” Campbell said." [Patrick Campbell, chief legislative counsel of IAVA]

Full Article at: Lone senator holds up veterans bill

By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Nov 2, 2009 17:01:59 EST

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is trying to bring pressure on the Senate to ignore tradition and bring a veterans health care bill up for debate despite the anonymous hold on the bill placed by a senator.

The bill in question is S 1963, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009, which includes three top priorities of the veterans group.

It contains a package of improvements for female veterans, including more training for mental health providers in treating sexual trauma, a pilot program to offer child care so that veterans who have children find it easier make appointments, and a trial counseling program in which newly separated female veterans would be treated in retreat-like settings.

It also would expand mental health programs for veterans in rural areas by contracting with local community mental health centers, and expand mental health services for the immediate families of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

Improvement programs for homeless veterans also are included — a high priority for the Obama administration."

"Patrick Campbell, chief legislative counsel of IAVA, said the delay is troubling. “Unless the Senate decides to act on this, we will miss our small window to see this legislation pass before Veterans Day,” he said, urging veterans to contact their senators to demand a vote on the measure.

“With so much good riding on one bill, it is hard to imagine that anyone could oppose this legislation. But there is one senator holding up consideration,” Campbell said."