Elizabeth Dole

I think that is something where we come back to the respite. It is so very important to give them a chance to just break away a little bit and to be able to recharge their batteries.

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

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.

They deserve to have the same benefits that post-9/11 veterans do when they are dealing with the most serious injuries, illnesses, and wounds.

Right. Well, we know from our caregivers who are enrolled in Medicaid that the program provides valuable--it is an extra coverage or valuable supplement for some of the expenses that the VA program does not cover.

Senator Elizabeth Dole has encouraged us to be 'solutionists,' and so we are, with each other and with other caregivers.

There is also an economic argument for supporting military caregivers.

Well, the RAND report has told us that the military and veteran caregivers are experiencing a much higher rate of negative health consequences as a result of their caregiving services.

You are sending a very powerful signal that our Nation's leaders must stand with America's military caregivers.

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

There is an also an economic argument for supporting military caregivers. They provide nearly $14 billion dollars a year as an unpaid, voluntary workforce.

They need to have the same kind of opportunities.