WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) today called for a program that provides critical brain injury research and care for servicemembers and veterans to be funded at the highest requested level.   

In a letter addressed to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee and co-signed by more than a dozen Republican and Democrat Members of Congress, Smith requested the Conference Committee for the “Department of Defense Appropriations Act FY07” fund the Defense and Veteran’s Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) at the $19 million level backed by the Senate in their version of the bill.

“Not only is the DVBIC’s work helping current servicemembers with traumatic brain injuries, but their research may lead to advances in treatment and prevention that can cut down on these types of injuries in the future.  It is imperative that our military personnel receive the quality of care they deserve and that cannot happen if we nickel and dime veterans programs,” said Smith.

In the letter, Smith details the crucial work the DVBIC undertakes to help servicemen and women, stating that the Center’s advanced research, clinical studies, treatment and patient care greatly benefit our servicemembers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with traumatic brain injuries.  It is estimated that 10% of the total force in Iraq and 20% of the infantry suffer concussions during their tour of duty, which makes the Center’s work all the more vital in providing for healthcare needs of today’s veterans.

“Healthcare for our troops cannot be financed on the cheap.  It makes absolutely no sense to shortchange the DVBIC at a time when we are seeing more servicemen and women return from the battlefield with head injuries than any previous conflict.  In fact, traumatic brain injury has been labeled the signature injury of the Global War on Terror,” said Smith.

The following Members of Congress co-signed Smith’s letter: U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), U.S. Rep. Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA), U.S. Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL), U.S. Rep. John Kline (R-MN), U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon (R-PA), U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth (D-SD), U.S. Rep. Darlene Hooley (D-OR), U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN), U.S. Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), U.S. Rep. Dale Kildee (D-MI), U.S. Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), U.S. Rep. Brad Miller (D-NC) U.S. Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA) and U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC).