Senator Collins authored significant legislation, the Heroes at Home Act (S. 1065), that was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4986) on January 28, 2008. This bill will improve the detection, assessment, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) among wounded service members and expand support for the victims of TBI and their families. This bill is supported by the Wounded Warrior Project, the National Military Family Association, the Military Officers Association of America, the American Academy of Neurology, and the Brain Injury Association of America.

Senator Collins was an original co-sponsor of the “Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act,” which was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4986) on January 28, 2008. This legislation will facilitate and enhance the care, rehabilitation, and physical evaluation of wounded service members, as well as to improve the transition from the Department of Defense health care system to that of the VA and from military service to civilian life.

Given the unique importance of the flag to veterans and the American people, Senator Collins believes that the government has a legitimate interest in preventing its desecration. She has long been a supporter of a Constitutional amendment to ban flag burning.

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Collins is working with her colleagues in the Senate, as well as with the Department of Defense, to determine if the primary next of kin may also become eligible to receive an interment flag.

Senator Collins authored legislation, the “Total Force GI Bill” (S. 644), to enhance educational assistance benefits for members of the Reserves and National Guard by extending their eligibility to use educational benefits under the Reserve Education Assistance Program for 10 years after their separation. Provisions from this bill were included in the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4986) on January 28, 2008.

On May 25, 2006, as Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Collins held a joint hearing with the Senate Veteran’s Affairs Committee to investigate VA data security breaches. She has vowed to work with her colleagues to ensure that the VA is taking the required steps to protect veterans’ personal information.

Senator Collins is an original co-sponsor of the “Wounded Warriors Bonus Equity Act” (S. 2400). This legislation closes a loophole in federal law by requiring that the Department of Defense continue the payment of bonuses to service members who retire or are otherwise separated from the armed services due to combat-related injuries. The bill was approved by the Senate on December 17, 2007, and awaits action by the House of Representatives.

Senator Collins has consistently urged the VA to closely review the budget allocation for all of Maine’s VA health care access points in order to ensure that Maine veterans continue to receive the excellent services of these indispensable centers.