Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. JOYCE of Ohio. Madam Chair, I am proud to join my colleagues in leading this commonsense effort to help our country's veterans access medical treatment.

Research has shown that medical cannabis can be a safe and effective treatment in targeted pain management for PTSD which, unfortunately, impacts many of our veterans. Despite their efficiency, bureaucratic red tape continues to deny veterans these life-altering treatments. In States like Ohio and 37 others where it is legal, the Federal Government should not prevent a VA doctor from recommending medical cannabis as a viable treatment option if they believe it will help their patient.

As the son of a WWII veteran who was wounded and left for dead on the battlefield, I have seen firsthand the many challenges our Nation's heroes face when they return home. We should all resolve to help expand access to treatments for the medical challenges, both mental and physical, our veterans experience.

That is why I ask my colleagues to support this amendment to help eliminate barriers for alternative treatments and provide our veterans with the care they need to overcome the wounds of war.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source