Care of wounded warriors returning from Iraq and Afghanistan addressed in omnibus bill

November 19, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Nevada Senator Harry Reid hailed the passage of a package of bills to deliver further support to wounded veterans and their caregivers. The Caregiver and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 addresses multiple concerns on veterans care including expanded health services for women, access to dental care, incentives for highly qualified doctors to work in veterans care and an increased focus on mental health care. Additionally, the bill gives support and health care to caregivers and veterans living in rural areas where health care services are limited and the burden for care is placed on veteran’s families.

“This bill is another positive step toward getting our wounded warriors the care that they deserve,” said Reid. “We can never forget the spouses, parents, brothers and sisters who plan an integral role in caring for our veterans when they are injured. This bill holds up the unsung heroes whose tour of duty begins when their service member returns home, providing care and support especially to those in rural areas. There are 250,000 veterans in Nevada and this bill serves them well by increasing and expanding health care resources for them and their families.”