The Associated Press

SIOUX FALLS - Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, D-S.D., says legislation that has passed the House would expand and improve Veterans Affairs health care for women veterans - particularly those who served in the Iraq region.

In a release, Herseth Sandlin said the Women Veterans Health Care Improvement Act "responds to a specific and growing need to provide health care services for women veterans, especially those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan."

More than 177,000 women have served the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan since September 2001, and nearly 27,000 are now deployed in these wars, Herseth Sandlin said.

Among other provisions, the measure calls for a study of barriers to women veterans seeking health care, enhancement of VA sexual trauma programs, expansion of family counseling programs and a pilot program for child care services.

She said the Disabled American Veterans group was consulted in drafting the bill. Twenty-three representatives are listed with Herseth Sandlin as co-sponsors.

It was introduced in the House on July 9 and passed July 30. The measure was introduced in the Senate on Aug. 3 and was referred to a committee.

"With the upcoming recognition of Veterans' Day, now is a perfect time to work to ensure that the VA has both the authority and the flexibility it needs to respond to and serve those who have served us," Herseth Sandlin said.