House Acts to Fix Nation’s Broken Military and Veterans’ Healthcare Systems

Last week the House passed HR 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act, which addresses many of the efficiency, delivery and quality problems that plague our military and veterans’ healthcare systems.  I was shocked and appalled at the seeming contempt with which our veterans have been treated, and this bill is a major step toward righting this wrong.  As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am proud to have helped draft HR 1538, which improves access to healthcare for wounded service members seeking outpatient care at military hospitals and improves the efficiency of the disability evaluation system.  The bill also includes important provisions that strengthen service members’ access to mental health care.

In February of this year, we were all shocked at the investigations by the Washington Post that exposed the appalling conditions our soldiers faced at the Walter Reed Medical Center.  This report highlighted the need for increased resources and focus on healthcare for our veterans, something I have fought for throughout my time in Congress (see related stories here and here). 

In a time of war, particularly when the number of injured servicemen and women has skyrocketed more than 80 percent over the last five years, we have an obligation to make veterans’ healthcare national priority.  The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act is a tremendous step forward for those who put their life on the line for our nation.  I will continue to fight for the necessary resources and policies so that our government treats our nation’s veterans like the heroes they are. 

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