Senators say program modeled after Mont. effort

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: Oct 29, 2009 at 6:57 PM MST

Story Updated: Oct 29, 2009 at 6:57 PM MST

HELENA - U.S. Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester say federal legislation providing post-combat treatment for stress disorders is modeled after a program launched in Montana.

The senators praised the inclusion of the program in a defense spending bill signed by the president. The program requires the military to provide Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder screening for troops before and after deployment to combat.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the plan will result in 150,000 mental health assessments every year. Baucus, who took credit for getting the measure to the president's desk by getting it included in the defense bill, said the plan makes sure that troops are healthy and safe when they return home.

U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg has lauded the program in legislation passed earlier over in the U.S. House.

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