Capito, Baldwin Introduce Bipartisan VA Reform Legislation

Press Release

Today U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced the Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act, bipartisan VA reform legislation aimed at providing safer and more effective pain management services to our nation's veterans. Senators Capito and Baldwin were joined in introduction by the Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.).

"Too many of our nation's veterans have returned from overseas only to fight another battle here at home. Tragically, stories like Jason Simcakoski's exist all around the country, including in my home state of West Virginia. Far too many young West Virginia veterans have faced the horrors of PTSD and failed to receive the quality of care they deserve. These are heartbreaking examples of the grave magnitude of overmedication, and we must do everything in our power to prevent deadly opioid overmedication in our VA facilities. I am proud to join with Senator Baldwin to strengthen opioid prescribing guidelines and improve pain management services at the VA. This legislation will not only provide our veterans a healthier transition to civilian life, it will save lives," said Senator Capito.

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