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Tester Applauds Passage of the Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act

By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Nov 20, 2009 at 10:03 AM MST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2009 at 10:03 AM MST

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate has unanimously passed the Rural Veterans Health Care Improvement Act, sponsored by Senator Jon Tester.

When it's signed into law, the bill will help fund volunteer organizations that provide rides for veterans to get to their medical appointments. It aims to improve health care for Native American veterans and mental health care for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in rural states.

On the floor of the Senate Thursday, Tester said veterans in rural states still struggle to get the health care they've earned.

"A lot of the veterans I spoke with last week made it clear to me that we still have a lot work to do to live up to promises made to our fighting men and women," he said. "This legislation isn't the be-all and end-all. But it's a big step forward. And it's the result of putting politics aside and working together to do right by all men and women who have served our country."

The bill also locks in the VA's mileage reimbursement rate for disabled veterans at 41.5 cents per mile.

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