Seek Help Closer: The Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs last week 
approved the “Veterans Health Care Act of 2005,” a bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Larry Craig of Idaho. Among other things, this measure will let the VA reimburse veterans who seek emergency health care at a nearby hospital. Many vets who need emergency care have passed up the closest facility, opting, instead, to head for a VA hospital. The delay in getting care, in some cases, exacerbated the medical problem, say VA officials.
The U.S. military is sending more fighter jets to the Middle East to step up its war with Iran, adding to what is already the largest buildup of airpower in the region since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. For now, the operation shows little sign of coming to a quick…