CRYSTAL RIVER – The 1st Vice Commander of The American Legion Post 155 applauds the Senate for the overwhelming support of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 with a resounding 98-0 vote yesterday.

“This legislation will improve the lives of so many veterans and their families,” said 1st Vice Commander Jay Conti Sr. “Especially those with serious health care challenges.”

Although the primary focus of the bill is to care givers of severely injured veterans returning home from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, this measure addresses other serious issues such as health care for women veterans; dental insurance for certain veterans and their families; mental health care services; veterans’ transition from military to civilian life; health care issues facing veterans in rural areas; enhancement of VA medical services; and homelessness among veterans and their families.

“Timely passage of this bill was absolutely critical,” said Conti. “This legislation addresses a number of concerns our newest generation of wartime veterans are talking about at American Legion Post across Citrus County and the nation.”

“This measure now moves to the House where Speaker Pelosi and her leadership team should take an aggressive approach toward timely passage,” continued Conti. “Both Houses should be highly committed to care of veterans and their families.”