Serving our Veterans

Our men and women in uniform have risked their lives for their country so we can enjoy the freedoms we hold so dear. We must honor our promise to our veterans and make sure they have the comprehensive services they need and deserve.

Maryland is home to more than 484,000 veterans. Many more wounded warriors are returning home than ever before. Many of these retired military personnel were injured in the line of duty and will spend years recovering from injuries sustained in combat.

37,000 Marylanders have been injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many times, the day-to-day care of a disabled service member is provided by a spouse, child, or parent. According to the Dole-Shalala Commission, 20 percent of these caregivers are forced to leave a job to provide this care.

Congressman Ruppersberger supported S. 1963, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010. The legislation:

• Offers these caregivers training, financial support, health care and respite care.
• Provides women warriors with critical health care and child care benefits
• Investigates the tragically high suicide rate among veterans
• Expands treatment for veterans with traumatic brain injuries
• Increases opportunities for transitional housing for homeless veterans

The Congressman also supported H.R. 1016, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009. The bill authorizes Congress to approve investments in the Department of Veterans Affairs medical care one year in advance and requires the President to request those funds one year in advance. This will ensure reliable and timely funding to support the delivery of high quality medical care for our veterans. It will also provide time for the VA to plan how to deliver the best care to an increasing number of veterans with increasingly complex medical conditions.