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Obama Calls on Bush to Improve Care for Service Members by Supporting the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act

Friday, March 30, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ben LaBolt

Senate Republicans rejected increased funding for wounded service members this week

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) today called on President Bush to improve medical care for wounded service members by supporting the passage of the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act, legislation he introduced with Senator McCaskill in February. On Thursday, Senate Republicans rejected provisions from the bill which would have provided $103 million in funding for additional caseworkers and mental health counselors, a women’s mental health treatment program, and a comprehensive mental health study of returning soldiers.

“President Bush was quick to send our brave service members to war, but he has been slow and complacent in ensuring they are provided with the treatment and care they deserve when they return,” said Senator Obama. “Yesterday, Senate Republicans were given the chance to provide relief for wounded service members, and they rejected it. The problems plaguing our military hospital system will not be solved with a photo op. The President should call on Congress today to pass the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act, and provide our service members with first-rate facilities and care that will allow them to rebuild their lives.”

This bipartisan legislation would improve living conditions at military facilities and step up inspections, increase mental health and caseworker support for recovering service members and their families, establish an oversight board comprised of veterans and family members, slash red tape and paperwork to ease the healing process, and reform the broken military disability review process. The bill would also add new employment protections for family members who are caring for loved ones at military facilities.

On Monday, the Bush administration released a statement saying legislation that would improve care for wounded warriors was “premature.” While Senate Republicans rejected Senator Obama and Senator McCaskill’s offer to include provisions from the Dignity for Wounded Warriors Act in the supplemental funding bill, Obama vowed to find a means of passing the legislation this year.

“Our military hospital system is in a state of crisis. Delays and rhetorical band-aids will not move us closer to a solution. Our brave men and women in uniform didn’t hesitate when they were called to serve. We must not wait to improve care for our wounded warriors,” said Obama.