WASHINGTON, D.C. – For the first time ever this country is recognizing that Americans have a right not to be financially destroyed if they get sick.

That was the poignant assertion made today by U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., who announced on the Senate floor this afternoon that despite his misgivings and the health-care legislation’s flaws he would vote for its passage.

“We are not put on Earth for ourselves, but we are placed here for each other,” Nelson said in a seven-minute speech on the floor.  “Here we are - debating legislation that stands to improve the lives of tens of millions of Americans.  And so, despite its flaws, I will vote to pass this legislation.”More...

Newest Report on Women's Unique and Urgent Service and Homecoming Challenges

Today, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), the nation's first and largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization representing veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, released its new issue report, "Women Warriors: Supporting She 'Who Has Borne the Battle,'" on the unique service and homecoming challenges facing female troops and veterans. The report is the cornerstone of IAVA's first annual "Week of the Women Warriors," a multi-faceted effort to honor the courage and sacrifice of female servicemembers.

"Women make up 11% of the force in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet, their challenges have largely been overlooked and underreported. IAVA's new report pulls together the most up to date information on a broad range of issues confronting female servicemembers and veterans," said IAVA Executive Director Paul Rieckhoff. "Countless women have served bravely and honorably for their country.  It's time for the Department of Defense, the VA, lawmakers and the public to take bold action on behalf of these women warriors and give them the support they have earned."

IAVA's newly released report explores a wide range of issues, including:

• Sexual Assault, Harassment and Military Sexual Trauma (MST): Women in the military have been coping with significant and underreported sexual assault and harassment for decades. The report examines the statistics behind this prevalent issue, the measures that are currently in place and steps that must be taken to aggressively address this systematic problem.
• Higher Divorce Rates for Female Servicemembers: Marriages of female troops are failing at almost three times the rate of male servicemembers. The report examines the data behind this troubling trend. More...