On July 28 the U.S. House of Representatives passed what the Military Times described as “landmark legislation to train family members to provide care for severely wounded veterans — and pay them for it” (“House passes bill to train, help caregivers,” July 28).

HR 3155, the Caregiver Assistance and Resource Enhancement Act, or CARE Act, received vocal support from families of wounded war veterans after being introduced into the House in July. CNN reported that supporters and members of the Wounded Warrior Project, an advocacy group and provider of services for injured soldiers, gathered along with politicians on Capitol Hill on July 21 to urge Congress to pass the bill (“Wounded Warrior Program urges funding for war vet caregivers,” July 21).

The group’s executive director, Steve Nardizzi, said at a news conference, “As a nation, we’re failing these families by not providing them the basic support they need to continue to care for their loved ones . . . . It is the mission and the obligation of the VA to support not only the wounded warriors, but their families, because without that support these wounded warriors would not be able to live and thrive and lead successful lives.”

Nardizzi also criticized the Department of Veteran Affairs, saying it needed to “‘acknowledge its obligation’ to families and help provide them compensation, respite care, health-care coverage, and mental health support.”

The VA said in a statement to CNN, “Not all health care and rehabilitation occur in a hospital or clinic. VA is grateful for the important, caring work performed by countless caregivers on behalf of our nation’s veterans. We know that all who support our service members also serve when their loved ones put on a uniform.”

A week later the House voted to pass the bill, which, as the Military Times pointed out, not only offers training and pay but other supports as well, including a respite program for caregivers and health insurance under the VA for wounded veterans.

The bill also calls for the VA to research other support that families of wounded veterans may need.

Focus now turns to the Senate and bill S. 801 that, according to the Wounded Warrior Project, “would provide more comprehensive support and coverage to a wider population of caregivers.”