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Walz Praises House Passage of Wounded Warrior Assistance Act

Press Release

By: Tim Walz
By: Tim Walz
Date: March 28, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Military Personnel Veterans

WALZ PRAISES HOUSE PASSAGE OF WOUNDED WARRIOR ASSISTANCE ACT

Today, in a bipartisan effort, the United States House of Representatives passed H.R. 1538, the "Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007." Rep. Tim Walz supported the legislation, which improves training for, and reduces the caseloads of, case managers serving active duty military personnel. The legislation also helps service members make the transition from active duty military into the Department of Veterans Affairs system.

Walz, who sits on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, recently participated in hearings the Committee held at his request to investigate whether Veterans Affairs medical facilities are overburdened when servicemen and women receive substandard care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

"I'm pleased to see that this legislation moved quickly to the House floor," said Rep. Walz. "It begins to address not only the problems revealed at Walter Reed, but also the concerns I've expressed over the transition from military to VA health care facilities."

"Our military personnel and veterans deserve the best care possible, and we must ensure that the transition from military to veteran care does not cause them undue hardship," continued Walz.

The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act provides for:

1.) New staff to improve outpatient medical care

2.) Establishment of toll-free hot line for reporting deficiencies in medical-related support facilities

3.) Improved training for staff working with the Department of Defense Disability Evaluation System and for health care professionals, case managers, and service member advocates.

4.) Establishment of a pilot program to improve transition of members of the Armed Forces to Department of Veterans Affairs Upon Retirement or separation;

5.) Establishment of a Medical Support Fund for support of members of the Armed Forces returning to military service or civilian life;

6.) An annual report on Military Medical Facilities;

7.) Evaluation of the transition from active-duty care to VA care by requiring a report on Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Evaluation Systems.

Watch the video of Rep. Tim Walz speaking in favor of the Wounded Warrior Act on the floor of the House


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