On the recordApril 27, 2010
We have no greater obligation as a Congress and as a Nation than to look after the Americans who selflessly and patriotically have volunteered themselves into harm's way in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world. When they come home wheelchair-bound or with missing limbs or with a traumatic brain injury, they deserve nothing less than the very best treatment and care. Often, that care is provided not by health care professionals at a hospital, but by spouses, parents, other family members, or a loved one that isn't even next of kin. Many of these wonderful folks are already living on a tight budget. They're likely to be already caring for young children and/or aging parents. And often they have jobs they can't afford to lose. I've fought to give these families the support they need. I introduced the first-ever expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act, which provided Americans with 6 months of unpaid leave--unpaid, should be paid--of unpaid leave to care for wounded servicemembers and their families. Last week, a bipartisan majority in the House took important new steps by passing the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act. This would ease the enormous burden falling on those whose loved ones return from war with a severe injury. It provides tools and training so they can be better caregivers. When they accompany a veteran on medical visits, their lodging would be paid for.
