A couple of items that deserve kudos

U.S. Rep. Boswell: Introduces Armed Forces Breast Cancer Research Act

Legislation would study disease incident rate in service members and veterans

Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Leonard Boswell introduced the Armed Forces Breast Cancer Research Act that would require the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of Veterans Affairs to collaboratively study the breast cancer incidence rate in service members and veterans.

"There is significant anecdotal evidence that men and women who are serving or have served in our armed forces are being diagnosed with breast cancer at an alarming rate, especially for their age," Boswell said. "This Act would require the Department of Defense and VA to take the first step to determining if breast cancer is service-connected."

This legislation would require a joint study be conducted by the Secretary of Defense and Veterans Affairs to address: (1) the number of service members and veterans who have been diagnosed with breast cancer; (2) demographic information regarding such members and veterans; (3) possible risk factors related to their service; and (4) the breast cancer treatments that these men and women received. The study would have to be reported to Congress no later than 18 months after this legislation was enacted.

"It is the responsibility of Congress and our government to conduct research on the incidence rate of breast cancer in men and women in the armed forces when their greater risk may be a result of defending our country," said Boswell, a 20-year veteran.

If the joint study indicates that service members are being diagnosed with breast cancer as a result of their military service, Congressman Boswell will work with the VA to classify breast cancer as a service-connected disability in order for these men and women to receive the necessary VA benefits to treat and cope with the disease.

U.S. Rep. Loebsack: Co-sponsors House resolution supporting Domestic Violence Awareness Month

WASHINGTON DC - Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) co-sponsored a House Resolution supporting Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Congressman Loebsack has taken initiative to raise awareness on domestic violence and the devastation that it incurs. A member of the Victims' Rights Caucus and the Women's Issues Caucus, Congressman Loebsack is committed to working with local organizations on the ground in Iowa to secure funding and support for shelters that aid victims and their families.

"Far too many women and families in this country and around the world are affected by domestic violence. Nationwide, 1 out of 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime," said Congressman Loebsack. "At a time when local and state budgets are under severe strain, we must do all that we can to draw attention to the shelters and programs that are all too often underfunded and overlooked. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we must recommit ourselves to ending domestic violence within our homes, our communities, and our country."

In Iowa, there were over 7,000 reported cases of domestic violence in 2005. Across the country, an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. The cost of intimate partner violence exceeds $5.8 billion each year, $4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health services. Boys who witness domestic violence are twice as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults.

During this month, Congressman Loebsack is working to raise awareness on domestic violence and has visited shelters in the district, meeting with volunteers, staff, and people affected by domestic violence.