The Los Angeles Times (4/22, Tan) reports, "The House voted 419 to 0 on Wednesday to approve new benefits and financial support for the primary live-in caregivers of seriously wounded veterans who served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan." The bill, "which would cost about $1.7 billion over five years, is part of comprehensive legislation that would permit the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand its assistance to family members of veterans generally. Among other things, the bill also calls for seven days of post-delivery care for female veterans' newborns and more accessible healthcare for veterans living in rural areas."

        The AP (4/22) says that the bill "instructs the VA to create a childcare pilot program; offer post-delivery care to female veterans' newborns; and work with the Pentagon on a study on veterans' suicide."

        CQ Today reports that the measure "is intended to strengthen the health care support system for veterans, and to provide additional aid to female veterans, veterans in rural areas and veterans with mental health issues, among others." CQ adds, "According to the House Democratic leadership, the version passed Wednesday is a compromise agreement between the House and the Senate," and "passage in the Senate is expected."

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