The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed the Deborah Sampson Act.  5th District Congresswoman Jahana Hayes called it critical legislation that  addresses long-term biases against female veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Hayes cosponsored many provisions in the measure.  While women have served in the armed forces since the country’s founding, Hayes says the services provided to female veterans continue to lag behind those of their male counterparts. Under this bill, VA coverage would be expanded to include benefits such as greater data on the availability of mammograms, child care, and housing assistance specifically directed to organizations promoting female veterans.  Hayes called on the Senate to pass the bill and send it to the president for his signature.