Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 6064, introduced by Representative Nehls. Given the unfortunate prevalence of military sexual trauma among veterans and the broad and long-lasting impacts it can have on a survivor, it makes sense to have a neutral research party assess the adequacy of compensation examinations conducted by VA examiners to ensure we are fully addressing the needs of our veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma. The sensitive nature of MST evaluations requires competent and compassionate care. Having a better understanding of the academic preparation and credentialing of medical and mental health practitioners will allow the VA to adjust and amend existing policy to provide more appropriate compensation examinations. The National Academies of Science provides independent and objective research that informs public policy. To that end, an empirical review of the practitioner training associated with MST compensation examinations will strengthen stakeholder confidence in the overall process, improve customer service, and enhance claim decisions to benefit veterans who experienced MST. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Nehls for offering this legislation. I urge my colleagues to support it, and I reserve the balance of my time.”