Rehberg votes against veterans’ PTSD, brain injury research

Montana veterans respond to Rehberg’s empty claims

BILLINGS, Mont. – Breaking a promise to Montana’s veterans, Congressman Dennis Rehberg voted late Thursday against improved research and services for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and missing limbs.

Rehberg and his party bosses voted against a bipartisan proposal that would have increased funding for PTSD, TBI and prosthetics research by $28 million.

The measure (Motion to Recommit H.R. 5854) would have used $56 million in unspent government funds to cover the $28 million increase, using the remaining $28 million to pay down the deficit.

After voting against veterans who suffer from PTSD and TBI—two common injuries among veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan—Rehberg told Montanans this morning that “keeping the promises our nation made to the men and women who served heroically in uniform” is a high priority.

But Montana veterans see right through Rehberg’s election-year rhetoric.

“Congressman Dennis Rehberg’s decision to vote against important research into PTSD and traumatic brain injuries—especially after he voted five times to raise his own pay—is another broken promise to provide our veterans with the care they’ve earned,” said Veterans for Tester Co-Chair and former Montana American Legion Commander Dave McLean. “Thankfully, Jon Tester has kept his promise to Montana’s veterans and continues to fight with us to make sure all of them get the health care they’ve earned.”

Tester is Montana’s champion for veterans. Tester has a powerful record of consistently supporting improved access to health care for veterans and their families.

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