Washington, D.C. -  On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2199, The Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act. The bill, which would improve services for veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), includes Congressman Joe Donnelly’s proposal to create an Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans to counsel the Secretary of Veterans’ Affairs.  Passage of this legislation marks Congressman Donnelly’s first piece of legislation approved by the House.

Congressman Donnelly introduced H.R. 2190, The Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans Act two weeks ago.  The language from his bill was included in the larger bill, H.R. 2199, which was authored by the chairman of the VA Subcommittee on Health, Congressman Michael Michaud (ME-02). If H.R. 2199 is passed by the Senate and receives the President’s signature, Donnelly’s portion of the bill would establish an Advisory Committee on Rural Veterans to assist the Secretary of Veterans Affairs with developing the best approach to providing health care and other VA benefits to veterans who live in rural communities.

“As we prepare to honor our veterans this Memorial Day, it seems only fitting that we begin the weekend discussing policies that would benefit those who have served our nation,” Donnelly said. “It is my hope that this bill will improve the quality of service and benefits provided to veterans living in rural areas like Pulaski and Starke counties in Indiana.”

Over 40 percent of veterans returning from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan come from rural communities.  However, it is often more difficult for rural veterans and their families to access the care and services provided by the VA. Additionally, the needs of rural veterans can differ greatly from urban and suburban veterans.

Donnelly’s part of the legislation would require the Secretary of the VA to establish an Advisory Committee comprised of government officials and members of the general public who are representatives of rural veterans and also individuals who are experts in the needs of rural veterans.  The Advisory Committee would regularly report directly to the Secretary on both the needs of rural veterans and also provide an assessment of how well VA policies and services address issues of concern specific to rural veterans.

“The idea for this legislation came from the Veterans’ Advisory Board that I meet with regularly.” Donnelly said. “The advice and feedback I have received has been invaluable in conducting my work as a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and I believe great strides can be made in providing care to rural veterans if the Secretary has a similar committee. I hope the Senate and the President act quickly so this legislation can become law as soon as possible.”

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