Politics

Pelosi Statement on Changes in Medical Care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center

By Office of the Speaker

Washington, D.C. — Speaker Nancy Pelosi today issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary this week of articles in the Washington Post on the shocking conditions experienced by wounded soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington:

?One year after the Walter Reed scandal, America?s returning heroes are receiving better and more efficient care, but many are still waiting too long and facing too many bureaucratic roadblocks as they try to recover from the wounds of war. The Democratic-led Congress has invested in higher quality care, passed the landmark Wounded Warriors Act, and helped establish a new level of accountability by reasserting Congressional oversight.

?The New Direction Congress made the needs of America?s veterans a top priority by providing the largest investment in veterans? health care in the 77-year history of the VA.

?When America calls on our men and women in uniform to serve their nation, our soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and coast guardsmen do not delay. America must not allow a moment?s delay in the delivery of the health care and benefits our brave veterans have earned. We will build on the progress we have made for our wounded troops and veterans to ensure that they receive access to the timely, quality care that they were promised and that they deserve.?

Full post as published by The Gavel on February 20, 2008 (boomark / email).