Senator Clinton Questions Army Generals About Living Conditions and Administration of Outpatients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
March 6, 2007
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Clinton Calls for VA Review of Care Being Received by Wounded Veterans
March 5, 2007
Washington, DC - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today called on the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to commission a comprehensive review of the quality of care being received by wounded veterans, both past and present, at VA facilities around the country. She also asked for a review of the VA's process of evaluating wounded veterans for disability benefits.
"As a nation, we have a duty to honor and support those who have served and sacrificed so much in the defense of freedom." Senator Clinton wrote. "In light of recent revelations over the treatment of wounded soldiers, it is important that the VA give the highest priority to helping wounded soldiers make a seamless transition to the VA system and ensuring that they receive the highest quality of care."
Senator Clinton visited the Walter Reed Medical Center last week to see the conditions firsthand. During her visit, she visited wounded soldiers at the hospital and met with New York servicemembers to hear their concerns. She also toured Building 18, which news reports have identified as housing soldiers in unacceptable conditions. READ MORE >
Senator Clinton Questions Reported Gag Order on Servicemembers Under Treatment at Walter Reed
Following Visit to Walter Reed, Reiterates Call for Independent Investigation of Army Response to Walter Reed Conditions
March 2, 2007
Washington, DC - Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today called on the Secretary of the Army to respond to reports that servicemembers being treated at Walter Reed have been told they are no longer permitted to speak to news media. In a letter to Army Secretary Francis Harvey, Senator Clinton underscored the need to hear directly from wounded servicemembers who have been subjected to these conditions.
"I recognize the importance to the Army of operating within the chain-of-command, but I also believe that these extraordinarily brave men and women have earned the right to have their voices heard. Indeed, the American people also deserve to hear firsthand about the experiences of our wounded servicemembers and to know more about the support systems in place to help them," Senator Clinton wrote.
Senator Clinton Calls for Investigation of Army Response to Walter Reed Conditions
March 1, 2007
Washington, DC - With news reports continuing to mount of unacceptable conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton called for an independent investigation to determine "what senior Army officials knew about the conditions and treatment of patients at Walter Reed and when they knew it." Senator Clinton requested the investigation in a letter today to the Army Inspector General.
"Our nation has a duty to honor and support those who have served and sacrificed so much in the defense of our nation. Yet these recent news reports indicate that for nearly four years since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began not enough has been done to assist these courageous men and women in recovering from the wounds of battle. For these reasons, we must know what Army leaders knew, when they knew it, and why they failed to take corrective actions," Senator Clinton wrote. READ MORE >
