Spotlight: This Important Bill Is Payback MST Survivors Deserve
The introduction of HB6023 marks a significant step towards justice and support for survivors of MST. This legislation aims to provide retroactive disability benefits to veterans who have suffered mental health conditions or physical injuries due to MST. This bill is essential for ensuring that these veterans receive the care, respect, and justice they deserve.
Hey Advocates, we’re back with a new and improved look, attitude, and changes to our mission! The Silenced Voices of MST is here to stay, and there are quite a few things in the works. I’m excited to share them with you, but I need to point your attention to something that would be a game-changer in our war against MST.
Yes, that’s right! I’m declaring war against MST. I won’t stop fighting until it’s eradicated, and I hope you’ll join me
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Why HB6023 is Crucial for the Future of Our Armed Forces
We’re at a pivotal moment in our fight against Military Sexual Trauma. The introduction of HB6023 marks a significant step towards justice and support for survivors of MST. This legislation aims to provide retroactive disability benefits to veterans who have suffered mental health conditions or physical injuries due to MST. This bill is essential for ensuring that these veterans receive the care, respect, and justice they deserve.
On The Silenced Voices of MST podcast, we’ve shared quite a few harrowing stories from survivors who’ve bravely come forward to share their experiences, and there are more on the way. Stories like those of Jaye, the Army Drill Sergeant, who suffered in silence for years before finding the strength to to file a claim. When you listen to the episode, you’ll understand that she deserves back pay from when she discharged in the 90’s. She fought many times to receive benefits for her trauma.
Connecting to Recent Reforms
Last summer, President Joe Biden signed an executive order that removed commanders from MST reporting decision-making. This executive order became law in December, marking a monumental step forward by acknowledging the need for impartiality and the protection of survivors. However, while this executive order was a significant victory, it's clear that it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
The Sponsors of HB6023
The bill has garnered support from key politicians who understand the importance of this legislation, including:
- Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA)
- Representative Don Bacon (R-NE)
- Representative James Moylan (R-GU)
- Representative Seth Moulton (D-MA)
- Representative Val Hoyle (D-OR)
- Representative Pat Ryan (D-NY)
- Representative Bradley Schneider (D-IL)
- Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD)
- Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL)
- Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE)
A Summary of HB6023
HB6023, also known as the "Veteran Restitution and Justice Act of 2023," aims to amend title 38 of the United States Code to provide retroactive payment of benefits for veterans with mental health conditions based on military sexual trauma. Introduced by Representatives Salud Carbajal and Don Bacon, this bill ensures that if a veteran's claim for compensation is approved, the effective date of the award is the day after their discharge from service. This allows for retroactive monetary benefits to be paid from that date, covering both mental and physical health conditions resulting from MST.
For HB6023 to become law, it must go through several stages:
1. Introduction: The bill is introduced in the House of Representatives, as it was on October 24, 2023.
2. Committee Review: It is then referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for detailed examination and potential amendments.
3. House Vote: If the committee approves, the bill goes to the House floor for a vote.
4. Senate Review: If passed by the House, the bill moves to the Senate for a similar process of committee review and voting.
5. Presidential Approval: If both chambers of Congress pass the bill, it is sent to the President for signing into law.
Our Fight is Far from Over
We must continue to push for comprehensive reforms. HB6023 is another crucial step, but it’s not enough. MST needs to be eradicated completely. The voices of survivors must be heard, and justice must be served.
What You Can Do Today
1. Educate Yourself: Read the full text of HB6023.
2. Contact Your Representatives: Urge them to support HB6023. Your voice matters!
3. Spread the Word: Share this post, discuss it with your friends and family, and raise awareness on social media.
Your Story is Your Weapon
If you’re a survivor or an advocate, know that your story is your weapon. The way we win the war against MST is by continuing to talk about it. It can’t be ignored anymore. Every voice adds to the chorus demanding change, and together, we are unstoppable.
Stay Connected with The Silenced Voices of MST!
For more updates on HB6023 and our ongoing advocacy efforts, subscribe to The Silenced Voices of MST. Together, we can amplify the voices of those who have been silenced for too long.
Let’s be the change we want to see. Stand with us, support HB6023, and help us eradicate Military Sexual Trauma once and for all.
