Supporting The Scouts, Troops, And Students

Statement

This week in Washington, three feet of snow in four days shut down the city, cancelling votes in Congress. But snow, rain, or shine, the Boy Scouts of America were committed to celebrating their 100th Anniversary with a Gala at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC.

On Tuesday evening, I joined over 800 other scouting supporters for an impressive celebration of the enduring achievements and values of scouting. From historical reflections to modern initiatives, the 100th Anniversary Gala program highlighted the Boy Scouts' core principles of service, achievement, outdoor stewardship, leadership, and character that have been central to a century of scouting success.

The Gala also formally unveiled the Scouting Centennial Commemorative Coin, which the U.S. Mint will produce as a result of my legislation in Congress. I am very pleased that my father, former FBI Director and Judge William S. Sessions, is the Honorary Chair of the BSA U.S. Mint Commemorative Coin Project. As the project spokesman, he will be promoting the Boy Scouts of America Centennial Silver Dollar, which goes on sale through the U.S. Mint on March 23, 2010. Once available, orders may be placed through the U.S. Mint's website or by calling 800-USA-MINT (800-872-6468).

In addition to the Commemorative Coin, the Gala also recognized the "Celebrate Scouting" postage stamp, which I also worked to secure for the Boy Scouts' 100th Anniversary. The Celebrate Scouting stamp will be issued in July 2010 to coincide with the national Scout jamboree that month.

As an Eagle Scout and a Member of Congress, I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Boy Scouts' 100th Anniversary celebration through the 100 Years of Scouting commemorative coin and stamp. Scouting has been a central part of my life and family, and I look forward to continuing my support for scouting in the months and years to come.

Helping our Troops with TBI
With wars on two major fronts, thousands of our brave servicemen and women are returning from combat with mild to severe cases of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), resulting in an inability to hold a job, properly care for their families, or in some cases, to overcome suicidal tendencies. As a nation, we have the responsibility for their care and recovery, and I am encouraged with the potential of expediting innovative treatments for brain-injured soldiers suffering from TBI.

This month, I introduced the TBI Treatment Act (H.R.4568) to expedite new and innovative treatments, not currently available within Department of Defense (DoD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, to our nations' veterans and active duty soldiers suffering from TBI.

The TBI Treatment Act creates a five-year pilot program that allows active duty and veteran TBI patients to receive reimbursable health care from private physicians who are utilizing an array of leading-edge, successful therapies to treat TBI. Under my legislation, physicians may voluntarily treat soldiers and veterans with TBI using any government-approved treatments to stimulate neurons throughout the brain to regain function, including but not limited to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), flash doses of approved drugs, and small devices that operate like brain pacemakers. Using these and other treatments in the private sector, a multitude of evidence from numerous cases shows substantial progress in brain function and personality in TBI patients, leading to promising treatment options for injured troops.

Through a "pay-for-performance" plan, physicians may qualify for payment from DoD or VA after proving through independent pre- and post-treatment neuropsychological testing, accepted survey instruments, neurological imaging, or clinical examination that a patient has experienced demonstrable improvement. Treatment and reimbursement safeguards in the bill ensure immediate access to innovative private health care treatments while reserving payment only for treatments that work.

Our soldiers and veterans suffering from TBI need help and hope right now, and I believe that they deserve immediate access to the most effective treatments available, whether through government or private health care. By prioritizing treatment results over treatment location, my legislation immediately opens up the most innovative and most effective treatments for brain-injured soldiers and veterans even as the federal government evaluates and builds the capabilities to offer new treatments on its own in the future.

To reach the long-term objective of incorporating leading-edge medical practices into military hospitals, the TBI Treatment Act requires an annual report to Congress on the results of the program and how each Department Secretary plans to integrate successful methods into their own medical facilities. This process will help encourage a constant flow of new and innovative treatments into military medicine.

As you may remember, since 2006 I have been actively engaged in finding proven, high-quality treatment options for troops and veterans with TBI, which is an increasingly-common and life-threatening non-healing wound among troops in combat regions. Over the years, I have met with physicians, scientists, researchers, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and service members regarding new therapies for TBI in military and VA medical facilities as well as immediate access through private health care. My TBI Treatment Act builds on legislation that I passed through Congress last year to begin the evaluation and reporting process for the use of innovative TBI treatments in military and veteran facilities.

Our soldiers and veterans have made very costly sacrifices for American security and prosperity, and they deserve unwavering support from a grateful nation. I will continue to stand up for our injured soldiers and veterans to ensure that they receive the best quality care in America.

Episcopal School of Dallas Visits Snowy DC
On Thursday, I welcomed students from the Episcopal School of Dallas to the U.S. Capitol. Braving the frigid temperatures and record snow fall, nearly 90 students, teachers and sponsors were in town as a part of ESD's annual 6th grade school trip to Washington, DC.

Although the winter weather derailed some of their site visit plans, I was very pleased to personally welcome the students to the U.S. Capitol and to lead them on a tour of the building. Together, we walked through the halls of the Capitol, viewing and discussing the architecture, paintings, and statues that symbolize our nation's history and ideals.
Since votes were cancelled for the week, I also had the opportunity to take the students on the Floor of the House Chamber -- where 435 members cast their votes during session. On the House floor, I highlighted the voting process and answered the students' questions about Congress and the Capitol.

My DC staff and I value the opportunity to meet with constituents from the 32nd District of Texas during their visits to Washington, DC. Whether a school trip, vacation, business meeting, or issue advocacy visit, please let us know in advance when you will be in town and how we can accommodate your visit. For more information on DC attractions and important tour request deadlines, please visit my website at sessions.house.gov.

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