New bill aims to protect military members, veterans from traumatic brain injuries

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Sen. Kirstin Gillibrand, surrounded by veterans and wounded warriors, announced a bill to tackle a problem the military has been slow to address: traumatic brain injuries that come from being exposed to shock waves from gunfire and explosives.

Combat veterans are increasingly being found to have brain damage similar to football players who've suffered multiple concussions.

The new bill aims to fund blast wave research, improve treatment and reduce exposure. Gillibrand hopes the bipartisan bill will pass this year.