Issa Hails Passage of Wounded Warriors Assistance Act

Press Release

Issa Hails Passage of Wounded Warriors Assistance Act

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) today hailed the passage of H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act, to ensure that American Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen injured in the line of duty will receive the care they deserve when they return home. The legislation passed by a vote of 426-0.

"It is not acceptable for us to ask the men and women of our armed forces for service in America's time of need and not provide adequate support in theirs," said Issa, an Army veteran who recently toured recovery facilities on Camp Pendleton.

The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act authorizes resources to address well-chronicled problems at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other pressing needs. Provisions of the bill will enhance military medical services, personnel actions, and other daily life issues. Specifically, additional staff will be provided to guide injured service members through the recovery and rehabilitation process, bureaucratic red tape will be reduced through administrative streamlining, and communication among pertinent agencies and the families will become a high priority. According to the Congressional Budget Office, if fully funded the legislation will require $315 million over the 2008-2012 period.

To ensure prompt change and ongoing compliance, additional patient advocates will be provided to wounded service members. Additionally, the Department of Defense will establish a toll-free hotline for the public to share concerns.

On March 15, Rep. Issa called for public feedback regarding shortcomings in military health facilities aiding wounded military. Constituents are asked to contact his Vista District Office at 760-599-5000 or via email at militaryheroes@mail.house.gov.

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