Senator Collins Attends White House Signing Ceremony for Veterans Bills She Co-Sponsored
Bipartisan bills will improve veterans’ access to lifesaving breast cancer screening, recognize WWII veterans
Click HERE to watch the signing ceremony
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) attended the White House signing ceremony for three bills she co-sponsored: the Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options (MAMMO); the SERVICE Act of 2021; and the U.S. Army Rangers Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act.
“I am pleased that President Biden has signed these important pieces of legislation into law, which will strengthen breast cancer detection and prevention services as well as pay tribute to the courageous Army Ranger veterans of WWII,” said Senator Collins. “Our veterans made countless sacrifices to defend our nation and preserve our freedoms. As a member of the Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee, I will continue to work to ensure that veterans receive the recognition, benefits, and resources they have earned through their service to our country.”
The MAMMO for Veterans Act will expand veterans’ access to high-quality breast cancer screening and lifesaving cancer care. Specifically, the bill will require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to develop a strategic plan to improve breast imaging services, create a telemammography pilot program for veterans in areas where VA does not offer in-house mammography, and expand veterans’ access to clinical trials through partnerships with the National Cancer Institute. This legislation was introduced by Senators Collins, Jon Tester (D-MT), John Boozman (R-AR), and Mazie Hirono (D-HI).
The SERVICE Act of 2021 will expand eligibility for Veterans Health Administration (VHA) mammography screenings to veterans who served in certain locations during specified periods, including those who were exposed to toxic substances at such locations.
The U.S. Army Rangers Veterans of WWII Congressional Gold Medal Act will provide for the award of a single Congressional Gold Medal to World War II era Army Rangers in recognition of their heroic service. Approximately 16 million Americans served in the U.S. military during WWII. Among those soldiers, only 7,000 were Rangers. There are now just 12 living Rangers left to receive the medal.
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