-House unanimously passes Wounded Warrior legislation-

Washington, DC - A strong advocate on behalf of America’s veterans, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) today joined her House colleagues in passing H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act.  The bill, which strengthens the Veteran’s Affairs and Department of Defense health care systems, is Congress’ response to the atrocious conditions recently discovered at the Walter Reed Military Hospital, and elsewhere.

“If we’re going to ask these brave young men and women to put their lives on their line for our country, then we have a moral responsibility to stand by them when they return,” Woolsey said.  “This bill is an important first step towards providing the mental and physical care that our returning soldiers need, many for the rest of their lives.”

The legislation, which enjoys broad bipartisan support, will remedy the current system of outpatient care ensuring that veterans have the quality care that they deserve, while reducing much of the bureaucracy that currently plagues the system.  Among other steps the legislation will: increase the number of caseworkers (allowing each of them to focus on a smaller number of patients); create a system of patient advocates to hold the VA accountable; increase the training of those involved in outpatient care, and establish a toll-free hotline to report problems.  While supporting the legislation, Woolsey was quick to point to the hypocrisy demonstrated by the Administration when it comes to their claims of supporting the troops:

“President Bush has a strong record of talking tough, and attempting to marginalize those of us who have opposed his occupation of Iraq by claiming that we don’t support our troops,” Woolsey said.  “The truth speaks louder than his bluster though, and while he continues to put our troops in harms way in Iraq, he has under-funded the very medical care that they depend on here at home.  It will take many of these soldiers a lifetime to recover from the physical and mental wounds that they have endured while serving in Iraq, and his record on this issue is nothing short of irresponsible.”