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Military and Veterans

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"It is essential that our courageous active duty and retired soldiers receive the quality health care and military benefits promised to them when they first put on their uniform and agreed to protect our country."

— Congressman Bart Gordon

The young men and women who volunteer to serve our country in war deserve to be honored each and every day of the year. Retired soldiers and those injured in combat should get the best possible care and the benefits promised to them when they agreed to wear the uniform of this nation. In addition, soldiers defending our country in battle should have the most advanced equipment and technology.

Improving Conditions at VA Hospitals
In late 2008, it was revealed that staff at the Murfreesboro VA Medical Center had been improperly disinfecting endoscopic equipment from 2003 to 2008, putting more than 6,000 veterans living in Middle Tennessee at risk of having been infected with Hepatitis B or C, or HIV. I wrote a letter to the VA Under Secretary for Health asking that detailed information be made available about the situations (letter to the Under Secretary). The Under Secretary reported that as of April 15th (the Under Secretary's letter), twelve veterans had tested positive – four for Hepatitis B, seven for Hepatitis C, and one for HIV (the Under Secretary’s letter). As it was further revealed that similar incidents had occurred at a VA facilities in Florida and Georgia, I joined my colleagues in Congress in calling for a formal investigation by the VA Inspector General, in addition to congressional hearings before the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee. For updates on the situation, click here to be taken the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs “Endoscopic Reports” page.

On June 16th, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing entitled “Endoscopy Procedures at the VA: What happened and what has changed?” While I do not sit on the Committee, I was given special permission to participate in the hearing. Click here to read more.

Improving Military Equipment and Technology
Enabling America’s troops to move around the battlefield more easily will allow them to better avoid harm and accomplish their missions. In September 2008, I secured a research grant for Tennessee Technological University (press release), which will be used to continue their efforts to develop and supply the military with working models of next generation batteries that are smaller and lighter. I am working to secure similar research funds for Tennessee Tech this year.

Preventing Health Care Fee Increases for Military Retirees
A December 2008 congressional report outlining several cost-cutting options for health care included increasing out-of-pocket costs and other annual fees for military retirees and their families who are covered by TRICARE, the military’s health care insurance system. I strongly support the Military Retirees’ Health Care Protection Act (bill summary), which would prohibit the Defense Department (DOD) from increasing TRICARE premiums, co-payments for pharmaceuticals, and premiums for Guard and Reserve members enrolled in TRICARE. An increase in TRICARE co-pays and other fees was excluded from the FY2010 defense budget proposal from DOD Secretary Robert Gates.

Screening for Traumatic Brain and Other Injuries
The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) estimates up to 11 percent of veterans of the Afghanistan war and up to 20 percent of veterans of the Iraq war suffer from PTSD. In April, I requested increased funding for ongoing research and treatment of PTSD and other head trauma. The request is pending consideration as part of the FY2010 appropriations process. I also support the Post-Deployment Health Assessment Act (bill summary). The legislation will require soldiers to be screened before and after deployment on a combat mission and every six months for the following two years.

Streamlining Funds for VA Health Care
For 19 out of the past 22 fiscal years, appropriated funds for VA medical care were not provided to the agency before the commencement of its new fiscal year. Insufficient, late, and unpredictable funding endangers the viability of the system to improve the health of sick and disabled veterans. I support legislation to fund veterans’ medical care one year in advance (bill summary). The FY10 congressional budget resolution, passed by the House on April 29, 2009, contains a provision to do this. The legislation also provides an 11.7 percent increase for veterans’ programs.

Providing Educational Opportunities for Our Troops
Prior to June 2008, troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan were responsible for 70 percent of the cost of public higher education – costs that often exceeded tens of thousands of dollars. On June 30, 2008, the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act (or “Post 9/11 G.I. Bill”) was signed into law with my strong support. The VA is now accepting and processing applications for the Post-9/11 G.I. bill, the benefits of which will take effect August 1, 2009 (application information). The legislation, which is the most comprehensive education benefits package since the original 1944 G.I. bill, provides returning veterans a monthly stipend for living expenses plus tuition aid equal to the most expensive public college in each veteran’s home state. The average monthly benefit for veterans increased from $1,100 to $1,900 a month.

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