Rep. Kind is joined by Simcakoski Family as Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act Passes U.S. House

La Crosse, WI – Today, U.S. Rep. Ron Kind’s bipartisan legislation, the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act, passed the United States House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support. This legislation is named in honor of Jason Simcakoski, a Wisconsin veteran who tragically lost his life last year, and fixes a number of problems seen at the Tomah VA, including looking into improved pain management practices.

“Today I was honored to be joined by Jason’s mother Linda, wife Heather, and daughter Anaya as the House passed our legislation to make sure no other veterans and their families have to go through what the Simcakoski family and others have had to,” said Rep. Kind. “With the passage of the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act we are one step closer to ensuring veteran patients and their families have a real role in VA oversight and providing health care professionals better training on the negative effects of prescription painkillers. I will continue to work with Jason’s family to make sure that his legacy is remembered and all veterans receive the care they have earned and deserve.”

“It was an honor to be present while a bill that brings meaning to Jason’s life passed the House. By passing this law, we protect our most courageous and honored citizens – our veterans, their families and our communities.  I cannot think of anything more important or valuable than saving lives – veteran’s lives. I am grateful to Rep. Kind for all of his hard work to make sure that our veterans receive the care they deserve,” said Heather Simcakoski, Jason’s widow.

“The Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act is an important piece of history. Helping our veterans get the best care possible is the ultimate goal. The guidelines in the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act will help the VA give our veterans and service men and women the best health care they deserve. Our family doesn’t want to see what happened to our son Jason happen to another veteran or service person,” said Jason’s father Marvin Simcakoski.

This bipartisan legislation requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to update pain management guidelines, strengthens provider education and training, improves patient advocacy, and authorizes a new commission to examine alternative treatments, among other provisions. The Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act is similar to the Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act in the Senate.

The Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act is supported by Disabled Veterans of America, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.