On the recordFebruary 4, 2015
Today, I am proud to again partner with my colleague Jackie Walorski from Indiana to reintroduce legislation to extend veterans' travel benefits to veterans who are traveling to seek treatment for injuries resulting from sexual trauma in the military. It is an honor to serve with Mrs. Walorski on the Veterans' Affairs Committee--one of the most bipartisan committees in the House--and it is a privilege to work with all of our colleagues, Republicans and Democrats, in service to our Nation's veterans. We must ensure that victims can access the high-quality care that every veteran is guaranteed when he or she joins the military. The occurrence of sexual trauma in the military is outrageous enough, but it is something our brave servicemen and -women should never be forced to experience. What is even worse is that many survivors of military sexual trauma have trouble accessing the physical and mental health services they need when they return home because the VA does not provide travel benefits to all victims of MST. This legislation is a great first step in further protecting the thousands of servicemen and -women who are survivors of military sexual violence. I urge its swift passage. ____________________
