Walter Reed Fiasco Results in Positive Changes
IAVA Applauds Congressional Actions to Address
Problems Within Military Medical System

NEW YORK - The nation's first and largest organization for the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, commends the House for passing H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act. Passed unanimously yesterday with bipartisan support, the bill seeks to correct the problems at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and other military health care facilities. The bill:

1. Improves access to quality medical care for outpatients in military health care facilities.
2. Seeks to cut the bureaucratic red tape associated with obtaining timely and effective medical care.
3. Improves the transition from care in the Armed Services to care in the VA system.

"The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act will help troops transition as comfortably as possible to civilian life, and will ensure that they and their families are well-treated throughout the process," says Iraq war veteran Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of IAVA.  "Troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who must go through Walter Reed and other medical facilities will now receive the treatment they deserve."

IAVA also applauds the House for unanimously passing the Joshua Omvig Suicide Prevention Act, and the entire Congress for passing the largest annual increase in spending on VA health care in 77 years.  The new budget represents an increase of $6.6 billion over 2007 figures, and an increase of $3.5 billion over the Administration's initial request.

"Congress has shown real support for combat veterans this year," says Patrick Campbell, IAVA's Legislative Director.  "From better treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury to faster processing of disability compensation claims, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans will see real benefits from this budget."

IAVA, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, is the nation's first and largest organization for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, representing more than 60,000 members in all 50 states. To arrange an interview with Paul Rieckhoff or any other IAVA member veterans, contact Michael Houston at (212)-982-9699, or email michael[at]iava.org. For more information, visit www.iava.org.

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