After the House of Representatives passed the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007 today, Congressman John B. Larson (CT-1), Vice Chairman of the Democratic Caucus released the following statement:
"As a nation, we were taken aback when recent media reports uncovered the grotesque realities within our military health care system. Clearly, our nation's military healthcare system is understaffed and drowning in a backlog of cases and unable to provide our veterans with the benefits and resources they sacrificed a great deal to earn. In Connecticut alone, approximately 2,500 veterans are waiting for their benefits.
"On both sides of the aisle we agree that our nation's veterans are a top priority. They have served and protected our nation with pride and dignity. We must give them the care and respect worthy of their sacrifice, and they deserve no less.
"The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act that passed in the House today is a step in the right direction to ensure that we take proper care of our nation's veterans. This bill would improve the access to quality medical care for wounded veterans, begin to restore the integrity and efficiency of the military healthcare system, and provide for a study to improve the consistencies between the Department of Defense and the Veteran's Administration disability evaluation systems.
"I applaud the leadership of Chairman Skelton and the honorable members of the House Armed Services Committee who crafted the legislation before us today. Congress has an obligation to be a watchdog for our veterans and ensure they receive appropriate care. These men and women have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms and they deserve the best health care and resources our country can provide."