Three bills introduced by U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) to support the health and honor the lives of America’s military veterans recently became law with the president’s signature.
“As a 24-year Army veteran, I am thrilled to see three of my bills become law,” Rep. Miller-Meeks said on June 7. “America’s veterans put their lives on the line to keep all of us safe at home, and I am proud to work for them every day to honor their service.”
President Joe Biden on June 6 signed into law the bipartisan, bicameral United States Army Rangers Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, S. 1872, which U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced in May 2021.
Rep. Miller-Meeks in May 2021 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the identical H.R. 3577 alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO). The bill permits the U.S. Army Ranger Veterans of World War II to be awarded with the Congressional Gold Medal.
“It is fitting that on the day after the 78th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, my bill to honor the Army Rangers of World War II with the Congressional Gold Medal reaches the finish line,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks.
On Tuesday, Biden also signed two other bipartisan, bicameral Miller-Meeks’ bills into law: the bipartisan Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans In Combat Environments (SERVICE) Act, S. 2102, and the Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options (MAMMO) for Veterans Act, S. 2533. Rep. Miller-Meeks in July 2021 sponsored and cosponsored, respectively, the identical bills for each in her chamber.
“I am also proud to see two of my bills that increase access to breast cancer screenings for female veterans are now law,” Rep. Miller-Meeks said. “Female veterans are at risk for several types of cancer, especially breast cancer, and they should have access to these necessary screenings.”
S. 2102/H.R. 4571 directs the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide mammogram screening for female veterans who served in areas associated with burn pits and other toxic exposure, according to a bill summary provided by the congresswoman.
S. 2533/H.R. 4794 requires the VA to develop a strategic plan to improve breast imaging services, create a telemammography pilot program for veterans in areas where the VA does not offer in-house mammography, and expand veterans’ access to clinical trials through partnerships with the National Cancer Institute, the summary says.