A NEW DIRECTION FOR VETERANS & TROOPS
A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE 110th CONGRESS
 

By improving veterans' health care, rebuilding our military, and strengthening benefits for our troops and military families, we are working to keep our promises to our courageous and faithful men and women in uniform.

For too long, officials in Washington have neglected our troops and veterans in a time of war.

On the battlefield, the military pledges to leave no soldier behind. As a nation, let it be our pledge that when they return home, we leave no veteran behind.

Strengthening quality health care for 5.8 million patients and earned benefits for all veterans.

Focusing quality care on the 263,000 veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, particularly those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury

Providing much-needed maintenance of VA health care facilities.

Keeping our commitment with the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and other major veterans' groups strongly endorsing this historic legislation as a "major victory" and an "impressive commitment" to our veterans.

Giving troops a pay raise of 3.5 percent - part of which the President calls "unnecessary."

Cleaning up the scandal of inadequate care for our wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and facilities nationwide.

Strengthening Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury care at military facilities and preventing TRICARE health care fee increases on troops. 

Making progress in ending the Military Families Tax on survivor benefits and the Disabled Veterans Tax on retirement benefits for combat-related military disabled retirees.

Providing Family Medical Leave for families of soldiers wounded in combat.

Conducting oversight on the Walter Reed Army Medical Center scandal, gaps in the DOD and VA health care systems, and excessive bonuses for top VA officials.

Providing more Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles than the President, which are proven to save lives in Iraq.

Creating a Strategic Reserve Readiness Fund to rapidly address military equipment shortfalls, including Army National Guard equipment.

Ensuring more equipment, training, and body armor for our troops.

Strengthening National Guard preparedness for disaster response here at home, including providing more equipment.

Giving troops adequate time at home to reduce strain on those serving multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.     

Expanding the number of troops to meet our national security needs.     

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Click here for a .pdf of the Progress Report>>