December 2019/January 2020  

Visiting with David Hogenson at the Academy and ROTC reception

TOP STORY - FIGHTING FOR QUALITY HEALTHCARE

• In December, I urged the CEO of TriWest to take immediate action to expand their network of qualified providers for the community care program in Montana. Rural veterans shouldn't have to overcome extreme distances when they have qualifeid professionals in their community.

• I'm encouraged that TriWest promptly responded and are committed to developing innovative ways to grow and manage their network of high quality providers.

SUPPORTING THE MILITARY, VETERANS, AND THEIR FAMILIES

• On December 27th, I hosted an Academy and ROTC Reception in Bozeman to celebrate the students who are going to be the next generation of leaders in our armed services.

• With my support, in December Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act for the 59^th year in a row, as well as defense funding legislation. These bills protect our nation's strong nuclear deterrence and our mission at Malmstrom Air Force Base.

UPDATE ON THE VETERAN PENSION PROTECTION ACT

• I am pleased that Senator Tester and Senator Kyrsten Sinema (AZ) recently joined my bill to protect veterans from scams. I've also joined Senator Tester on related legislation and look forward to these much needed measures advancing in the near future. 

Sending cards to our Montanans serving overseas

MY BIPARTISAN VETERANS' LEGISLATION

• I joined Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI) in introducing S.3020, the Commitment to Veteran Support and Outreach Act, which would strengthen county Veteran Service Organizations by allowing them to access grants to promote health and wellness and improve outreach. 

• To ensure that veterans have the best providers possible, I cosponsored Senator Cory Gardner’s (CO) S.221, the Department of Veterans Affairs Provider Accountability Act. This bill makes sure that the VA reports major mistakes by health professionals to the National Practitioner Database.

• To safeguard veterans who are transitioning to civilian life and are struggling with mental health I cosponsored Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s (AZ) S. 2864, the Sergeant Daniel Somers Veterans Network of Support Act. This bill allows the VA to share information with a network of people who were chosen by the veteran.
 
• In December the Military Widow’s Tax Elimination Act, a bill I cosponsored, was included in the National Defense Authorization Act and was passed into law. This bill protects Gold Star spouses from higher taxes.


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