WASHINGTON — The Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, May 24, approved its version of the Fiscal Year 2013 Defense Authorization bill, which includes several provisions authored by committee member U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire.

“Our service members, who sacrificed so much for our country, deserve access to the very best care available,” Ayotte said in a statement. “This legislation includes important provisions that will help improve mental health care for our Guard and Reserve members as they transition back into civilian life, and improve (the Department of Defense’s) prosthetics program for wounded warriors.”

She continued, “I’m also pleased the bill includes my amendment to help ensure proper care of America’s overseas military cemeteries. America’s veterans cemeteries serve as a reminder of the extraordinary sacrifice thousands of brave men and women have made on distant battlefields to protect our country, and we have a moral obligation to make sure they have a dignified final resting place.”