WASHINGTON, DC –U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Representative Elizabeth Esty (CT-5), cosponsored bipartisan legislation in both the Senate and the House to expand a successful program that helps those who care for wounded, ill, or injured veterans. The Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act, reintroduced by U.S. Senators Murray (D-WA), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) would open the program to veterans of all eras, making resources available to more of the family members and other loved ones who have taken on a caregiver role for veterans.

“Caregivers selflessly serve veterans, who have selflessly served our country. Veterans of all service eras deserve the best care possible--- and often the best care comes from spouses, parents, or children in the comfort of their own home. I’ve heard from veterans and caregivers here in Connecticut that have stressed the importance of making sure these unsung heroes--- caring so deeply for veterans in their healing process while putting their own lives and jobs on hold--- are given the support they need,” said Blumenthal. “This measure will ensure all veterans can receive exceptional care from their loved ones, while caregivers rightfully receive the resources they need and deserve.”

“The brave men and women of the Armed Forces sacrifice so much for our country, and so do their loved ones. I’ve met with and listened to caregivers across Connecticut. Too many have been forced to cut back on hours or leave their jobs altogether, putting their own lives on hold,” said Murphy. “We simply don’t give military caregivers the resources they need to provide the best, most comfortable care to their loved ones when they get home, and that’s wrong. I’m introducing this bill and my Social Security Caregiver Credit Act because Washington needs to do more to support those who support their families.”

“Like their loved ones who wore the uniform, caregivers make huge sacrifices in service to our nation,” Esty said. “They need and deserve more support than they get. This bill will help caregivers receive not only needed financial support, but also important mental health services and childcare assistance. It will go a long way toward ensuring that our government follows through on its commitment to support veterans and their caregivers of all generations.”

A RAND study commissioned by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, titled “Hidden Heroes: America’s Military Caregivers,” demonstrated that caregivers, often a spouse, parent, child, or even a close friend, sacrifice their own physical, emotional, and financial well-being in order to provide care to servicemembers and veterans that improves quality of life and can  result  in  faster  and  improved  rehabilitation  and  recovery. The legislation being reintroduced today recognizes that sacrifice and offers support services.

Among other things, the Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act would:

  • Make veterans of all eras eligible for caregiver support services. Currently, only post-9/11 veterans are eligible.
  • Make the program more inclusive of mental health injuries.
  • Reauthorize the Lifespan Respite Care Act and expand essential respite options for caregivers.
  • Give veterans the opportunity to transfer GI Bill benefits to a dependent, to help unemployed or underemployed spouses of injured veterans prepare to become the primary income for the family.
  • Make caregivers who work in the federal government eligible for flexible work schedules.
  • Provide assistance with childcare, financial advice and legal counseling, which are all top, and currently unmet, needs.

See a one-pager on the bill here.

Cosponsoring the bill are Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Christopher Coons (D-DE), Richard Durbin (D-IL ), Al Franken (D-MN), Angus King (I-ME), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

Cosponsoring the bill in the House are Representatives Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS), Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Anthony Brown (D-MD), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Steve Cohen (D-TN), Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Michelle Lujan Grisham(D-NM), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), Bobby Rush (D-IL), Tim Ryan (D-OH), Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Darren Soto (D-FL), Mark Takano (D-CA), Timothy Walz (D-MN) and Don Young (R-AK).

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