Senate panel approves anti-terror role for Veterans Affairs

The Senate Veterans' Committee approved without dissent Thursday a bill giving the Department of Veterans Affairs a role in combatting the impact of terrorist attacks against the United States.

The bill (S. 2132) would establish four VA emergency preparedness centers to craft medical strategies to prevent the medical crises after a chemical, biological or radiological disaster, according to a summary released by Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va.

The centers will conduct basic and clinical research and teach medical professionals both inside and outside the VA on preparing for disasters, the summary says.

The bill also would authorize the VA to furnish health care during a major disaster or emergency, and establish the position of Assistant Secretary of Operations, Preparedness and Security to oversee emergency operations.

The panel reported the measure by voice vote en bloc with three other bills. A similar bill (H.R. 3253) passed the House on May 20.