BIAA Legislative Update October 2007
Read the latest legislative update from the Brain Injury Association.
BIAA Legislative Action Alert: Please Act on Both Items As Soon As Possible
1-Wounded Warrior Legislation Containing Important TBI Provisions
Earlier this week, the Senate passed its version of the defense authorization bill, including the text of the Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act, which contains critically important provisions to improve TBI care for returning service members. The House of Representatives passed its defense authorization bill, which does not contain these critical TBI provisions, in May. Conferees have now been appointed, as the House and Senate will work in conference to produce a final version of the legislation to send to President Bush.
2-SCHIP Legislation Containing Important Medicaid Provisions Related to TBI Care
Earlier today, (October 3, 2007) President Bush vetoed legislation to reauthorize and expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. This bill includes a six-month moratorium on implementing a federal regulation proposed by the Bush Administration which would restrict the use of Medicaid’s Rehabilitative Services option. Rehabilitation services provided under the Medicaid Rehabilitative Services option are often vital to individuals with traumatic brain injury to improve and maintain their health and independence.
It is expected that a vote to override the president’s veto will occur in the House of Representatives next week or shortly thereafter. As the Senate already has sufficient votes for the two-thirds majority required for an override of such a likely veto, the question will largely come down to whether the House of Representatives can garner enough votes to override the veto as well. Currently it appears that there is not enough Republican support in the House for an override.
Action Requested: Please contact your Representative TODAY and urge them to vote to override President Bush’s veto of the SCHIP reauthorization bill.
