Rural Veterans Access to Care Act, VA's 'Strength of a Warrior' Campaign, Sen. Patty Murray Calls for More to Be Done for Suicidal Vets

• The Rural Veterans Access to Care Act, which would launch a three-year pilot program in selected regions (including the home of its sponsor, Kansas Rep. Jerry Moran [R-KS]) giving veterans in remote areas the chance to access health benefits from local non-military providers, was given the green-light by the House Committee on Veterans Affairs. Next stop: a full House vote.
  
  
• The VA is launching a pilot advertising program in Washington, DC., to broadcast the news that "It takes the courage and strength of a warrior to ask for help." The aim of the blitz is to get the word out on their veterans helpline number, 800-273-TALK (8255). Thanks go to Congressman Harry Mitchell [D-AZ], Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, who pushed the VA to become active rather than passive in engaging veterans. View the VA's public service announcement, featuring actor Gary Sinise urging suicidal vets to seek help, below the fold.
  
  
• Meanwhile, following a continuing spate of recent OEF/OIF veteran suicides (including six being cared for by Spokane's VA), Sen. Patty Murray [D-WA] will take to the floor of the Senate this afternoon to call for more from the VA than a mere ad campaign can offer. Time for the speech is not set in stone, but will not be before 5:00 PM ET/ 3:00 PM PT. C-Span 2 is set to carry it live in Washington State, and I believe should cover it nationally as well.
  
  
• One final political note: Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama has been in the Middle East over the weekend, meeting with Afghani and Iraqi leaders and U.S. military commanders. He's also been meeting with the troops. Video below from ABC News:

VA outreach PSA: