Rep. Calvert Statement on Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Statement

REP. CALVERT STATEMENT ON WALTER REED ARMY MEDICAL CENTER

Congressman Ken Calvert (R-CA) issued the following statement on the conditions of Walter Reed Army Medical Center:

"Like most Americans, I am disturbed by the poor conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. It is unacceptable that our wounded veterans are not receiving the care and the comfort they deserve.

"However, I am pleased with the quick response by the Bush Administration and our new Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to the situation and support their decision to dismiss the Secretary of the Army and the commander of Walter Reed. The appointment of former Senator Bob Dole and former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala as co-chairs of a newly-established Presidential commission is an essential step in providing the quality and continuity of care that our soldiers, airmen, sailors and Marines deserve. Focusing on rehabilitative care, administrative processes, and quality of life issues for injured and sick members of the armed forces is an appropriate priority for the commission.

"The independent review is tasked with identifying critical shortcomings and outlining ways in which to improve the quality of care our service members receive. The findings and recommendations should be made within 45 days to the secretaries of the Army and Navy and to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and also be delivered to the House Armed Services Committee, of which I am a member.

"It is unconscionable that wounded veterans are being treated in a manner that completely disrespects the sacrifices they've made for our country. Now we move forward to ensure that this type of treatment to our nation's heroes does not happen again."

Rep. Calvert attended today's 10:00AM House Armed Services Committee Hearing on Challenges and Obstacles Wounded and Injured Service Members Face During Recovery.

Source