FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Murray Press Office
Thursday, April 10, 2014 (202) 224-2834
Murray joined in Senate chamber by Senator Elizabeth Dole and caregivers from across the country
“There is no way we will sit by and let caregivers and veterans
face this on their own -- not when we can make it at least a little bit
easier.”
(Washington D.C.) – Today, Senator Patty
Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs
Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate floor to introduce
legislation aimed at making critical improvements to how we support our
ill and injured servicemembers and veterans and their caregivers. The Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act follows the release of a RAND Corporation report
commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation that calls attention to
the challenges faced by America's military and veteran caregivers. Sen.
Murray was joined in the chamber by Senator Elizabeth Dole and
caregivers from around the country who could be directly impacted by
this legislation. Senator Murray helped lead congressional efforts to
establish the original veterans caregiver benefits program and as
Chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee pushed VA to stop delaying implementation of the program.
“Like so many of our men and women in
uniform, our nation’s military and veteran caregivers don’t ask for
much. In fact, rarely do they ask at all,” said Senator Patty Murray.
“Too often these caregivers sacrifice their income, their relationships
and even their own health to look after their loved one who is ill or
injured as a result of serving our country. These caregivers provide a
critical support system for our nation’s heroes in situations that many
times mean the difference between life and death. It is our duty as a
nation to not only provide those who have served with the care and
services they’ve so rightly earned, but ensure those looking after them
are also afforded these much-needed resources. I’m honored to introduce
this legislation today as a major step in improving and expanding on the
original caregiver benefits program and am so grateful for Senator
Dole’s vision and commitment to this issue in calling the nation to
action. I urge our colleagues to join us in this bipartisan effort to
support these hidden heroes.”
"Last week we released the results of
the RAND research my Foundation commissioned. The evidence-based study
is the basis for our national call to action for support of America's
military and veteran caregivers,” said Senator Elizabeth Dole.
“Just one week later we celebrate the leadership and patriotism of
Senator Patty Murray who is taking swift action on the legislative front
and providing an example for bipartisan members of Congress to follow
as we pursue increased, holistic support for America's hidden heroes.”
Sen.
Murray's bill introduction comes one day before First Lady Michelle
Obama and Dr. Jill Biden will host former First Lady Rosalynn Carter and
Senator Elizabeth Dole at the White House to discuss the findings of
the RAND report, as part of their Joining Forces initiative.
WATCH video.
READ bill text.
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Meghan Roh
Press Secretary | New Media Director
Office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray
Mobile: (202) 365-1235
Office: (202) 224-2834
