Making sure
the Votes of our
Military Men and Women are counted
Senator John Ensign joined a group of nearly two dozen
lawmakers to introduce a bill that ensures that the votes of our military men
and women are counted. Recent elections have shown that our troops face
substantial obstacles and delays when submitting absentee ballots from
overseas. The Military Voting Protection Act would eliminate these barriers by
reducing red tape, implementing modern technology and providing express
shipping.
“The Military Voting Protection Act is a crucial piece of
legislation,” said Ensign. “It is imperative that we pass this legislation on
behalf of our military men and women to ensure that they are guaranteed the very
rights they fight for on behalf of freedom across the world.”
The Military Voting Protection Act would amend The
Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to provide for the expedited
shipping of ballots both to and from troops stationed overseas. It would also
direct the Department of Defense to establish guidelines for collecting,
transporting and tracking absentee ballots from these overseas military voters
by utilizing the best of today’s technology.
“The right to vote is the cornerstone of any democracy,”
said Ensign. “The United States is viewed as a great symbol of democracy, and
it is a travesty that the members of our armed services may be denied the
ability to exercise their right to actively participate in the democratic
process. No voter should ever face disenfranchisement in this country, but
certainly not those who fight to protect our rights. This Act will eliminate
the current barriers in place and allow our troops all the freedoms they so
rightfully deserve as our American
heroes.”
In the 2006 election, more than half of the military votes
from overseas were never counted.
Ensign: We Should Be Helping Our Veterans
A Tribute Honoring a
Nevada Veteran Passes Senate
A bill
coauthored by Senator John Ensign to help returning veterans adjust to civilian
life passed the Senate last night. The Veterans Mental Health Improvement Act
serves as a tribute to Justin Bailey, a Nevadan who took his own life shortly
after his return from Operation Iraqi Freedom, while in a Los Angeles VA
treatment center.
“The
importance of this legislation to our veterans cannot be stressed enough in
words,” said Ensign. “The story of Justin Bailey has stayed with me since I
first heard of his death. As a Marine, he served both his family and his
country proudly. However, our country, in many ways, failed to protect Justin
and other veterans upon their return home from active duty.”
The
Veterans Mental Health Improvement Act increases research on comorbid
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse disorders. By
establishing at least six national centers of excellence on PTSD and substance
abuse disorders, the bill is designed to reduce suicides among America’s
veterans. These centers will offer comprehensive inpatient and residential
treatment programs for our returning heroes diagnosed with PTSD and substance
dependency.
“Our
soldiers risk their lives daily on the front lines of freedom, and it is our job
to protect them when they return home,” said Ensign. “Post-traumatic stress
disorder affects the lives of thousands of military men and women, and without
the proper treatment many will face the challenge of living through it. Suicide
and substance abuse disorders are real threats to many returning veterans, and
this legislation will bring about essential changes to the VA system.”
A
requirement for a Special Committee to address PTSD is extended through 2012 in
this legislation. The bill also requires a review of all mental health care
facilities under the Veterans Health Administration with an additional two-year
follow-up review.
“I’m
grateful for the work done by Justin’s parents, Tony and Mary Kaye, on behalf of
this bill,” said Ensign. “It is my hope that because of the passage of this
legislation, another family will be spared the heartache endured by the Bailey
family.”
Ensign: This Budget Needs Restraint,
Spending Discipline
Senator
John Ensign voted against a tax-and-spend budget today that saddles taxpayers
with the largest tax increase in American history and fails to demonstrate
fiscal discipline.
“Today’s
vote was another disappointment for the taxpayers because this budget doesn’t
show even a hint of restraint or spending discipline,” said Ensign. “Under this
plan, taxes skyrocket, government grows, the national debt swells and
entitlement spending remains a looming crisis.”
Under
this budget, which passed the Senate today 48 – 45 without a majority of
Senators, Nevadans on average will face a nearly $3,000 tax increase. Small
businesses will pay more than $4,000 in additional taxes. To go along with
these tax hikes, the Democrats’ budget increases spending by more than $200
billion.
“Washington needs to wake up. We cannot pass one irresponsible budget after
another and expect the national debt to go away,” said Ensign. “This no-limit
credit card Congress is swiping belongs to the
American taxpayers. We need to be honest with the American people who were
promised a different Washington – one that is committed to fiscal discipline;
spending restraint; and smaller, more efficient government.”
“We need to start making tough choices in Washington,” said
Ensign. “We need to make decisions that put our entitlements on a stable
financial path and provide real tax relief to those who need it.”
