Daines, Tester work on VA issues

Montana's U.S. senators both pushed for action - one successfully, one not - to change the federal Veterans Affairs Administration, including a successful amendment to allow veterans to use medical marijuana.

Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., amended a bill in the Senate Appropriations Committee to allow veterans to take service dogs into VA health facilities, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take into account the situations of large rural states when determining where to build new veterans' homes and ensure Montana's veterans without next-of-kin aren't denied a VA-issued headstone, and to allow to discuss with VA physicians the use of medical marijuana in states where it is legal.

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., voted for Daines' amendment, but was less successful with a proposal of his own in the Veterans Affairs Committee.

Tester, ranking member of the subcommittee tasked with appropriating money for the VA, offered an amendment to increase funding for the VA medical services by $557 million and provide $300 million for maintenance at VA facilities. His amendment was defeated on a 16-14 party-line vote.

"At a time when we are demanding more from the VA, we simply cannot shortchange efforts to provide for our veterans, and that's exactly what this bill does," Tester said in a press release. "Taking care of the brave men and women who served our nation is a cost of war, and this bill fails to live up to the promises we made them."

Tester said the subcommittee's appropriations bill would underfund veterans by $857 billion. He added that there is a $10 billion backlog of critical construction projects at VA clinics and hospitals nationwide.

Daines said his amendments addressed several long-standing concerns of veterans.

"Our nation's heroes should have easy access to the resources, services and medical care they need and deserve," Daines said in a press release. "I'm glad that we were able to secure several important provisions in this bill to address Montana veterans' long-standing concerns and ensure that all veterans are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve."

He said the medical marijuana provision would allow for parity between VA and non-VA facilities in states like Montana which have medical marijuana programs. It does not change current laws preventing the possession or dispensing of marijuana on VA property, but simply allows veterans to discuss all options that are legally available in their state with their VA doctor.

The Montana Cannabis Industry Association praised Daines for the marijuana provision.

"The medical benefit of marijuana is beyond question," Tayln Lang, a veteran and vocal supporter of medical marijuana access for Montana's veteran community, said in a press release. "The only issue now is how best to offer access for seriously ill patients. For those veterans who live with PTSD or serious pain inflicted upon them because of their service to our country, this amendment offers hope for relief. I am proud that Sen. Daines has taken this bold step."

"States should be able to decide for themselves what laws apply to their citizens, and doctors should be free to discuss the medical benefits of marijuana with their patients," Elizabeth Pincolini, speaking on behalf of the Yellowstone chapter of the Montana Cannabis Information Association, added in the release. "Thousands of veterans around the U.S. and many here in Montana include medical marijuana in their treatment. This amendment takes the sensible step of allowing physicians at the VA to help be part of that decision."