Durbin, Murphy, Cartwright Introduce Legislation to Meet Demand for High-Quality Prosthetic Care for Veterans
Statement
Today, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) will join Congressman Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.) to introduce two bills to improve orthotics and prosthetics care for the nation's service members and veterans. The legislation would enhance research in best practices and support colleges and universities seeking to establish degree programs to train specialists.
"Illinois is in the lead when it comes to prosthetic and orthotic training and research," Durbin said. "The two bills we are introducing today will strengthen our nation's scientific workforce, and also allow Illinois hospitals and universities an opportunity to compete for federal support to solidify their standing as a leader in this field. The men and women who suffer serious injuries in the line of duty have already sacrificed enough. They should expect nothing less than the highest standard of care throughout their lives."
"In the last fifteen years, Congress has been too eager to go to war and too reticent to do what's required for those who go fight those wars," said Murphy. "The brave men and women who put their lives on the line for this country deserve the best care available when they get home. I'm proud to cosponsor these two bills because cutting-edge care starts with outfitting the VA with an expert workforce that's equipped with all available data resources and research."
"Our nation's brave warfighters have served and continue to serve in Afghanistan and Iraq with honor and distinction. Unfortunately, over 1,700 of these brave individuals have undergone amputations as a result of combat-related injuries over the past decade due to these wars," said Cartwright. "The impending end to these conflicts simply indicates the start of a grueling recovery for far too many veterans, and we have a moral obligation to provide our heroes with the best health care available. The two bills I've introduced today will enhance orthotic and prosthetic research and expand training opportunities to ensure our amputee warfighters retain access to the appropriate clinicians provide more resources."
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