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Boozman Sponsors Iraq Vets Health Bill

Press Release

Date: May 8, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Veterans Health and Health Care


Boozman Sponsors Iraq Vets Health Bill
Joins With Democratic Colleague to Focus on Traumatic Brain Injury

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today joined with California Democratic Rep. Jerry McNerney to introduce critical, bipartisan legislation to address the needs of our men and women in uniform: the Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2007. Both Reps. McNerney and Boozman serve on the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Boozman will serve as the bill's lead GOP sponsor.

"Over half of our soldiers who have been wounded in Iraq have experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury. In fact, Traumatic Brain Injuries are the hallmark injuries of this war," Rep. McNerney said. "It is incumbent on us to ensure that the Veterans Administration is equipped and ready to provide the ongoing services necessary to fully address the impact of traumatic brain injuries," Rep. McNerney said.

"The men and women returning home deserve the best care that can be provided, especially those who have suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries," Boozman said. "It is important that we, as Members of Congress, do all that is necessary to ensure the VA can properly provide the services needed by those with TBI."

The Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 2007 will establish a special panel within the VA to assess the VA's current capacity to treat veterans with traumatic brain injuries as well as make recommendations on developing policies for care and rehabilitation.

In addition, the bill, H.R. 2201, will create TBI-specific education and training programs for VA's health professionals.

"Our men and women in uniform have put their lives on the line," said Rep. McNerney. "It is imperative that we ensure our veterans receive proper care and treatment for injuries they sustained in service to our country."

"The proper care of injured veterans goes beyond party labels," Boozman added. "Doing right by our veterans is the least we can do to honor the service and sacrifice of those who protect our country."


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