Elizabeth Dole

Serving as a United States Senator was one of the greatest honors of my life.

The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, in particular, is bipartisan legislation that will make it possible for severely injured veterans to spend more time recovering at home.

I do not see how we can be a nation that truly cares for our military and veteran communities if we wait another day to get this legislation passed.

Passing her namesake legislation, the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, would make critically needed improvements to VA's home and community-based services

Thank you Chairman Collins, Ranking Member Casey, and members of the committee for calling today's hearing.

These caregivers are just as terrified. Just as isolated. Just as important to their veterans.

It is a very unfair situation. We need the legislation we are focused on today so that as soon as possible we can begin to meet the very unique needs of the pre-9/11 servicemembers and their caregivers.

I think that the isolation does--you are right on point on this, no question about it.

I hope that that piece of legislation is going to pass because if we want to foster a Nation that supports hidden heroes, all hidden heroes, these wonderful caregivers, then it is important to pass both pieces of legislation.

I think our earlier RAND research also pointed this out, that many of them do not see themselves as a caregiver.

And once they connect, even with just one other person, one other caregiver, it is like magic.

They need to have the same kind of opportunities.