Cole Votes to Protect America's Wounded Heroes

WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted today to ensure that America's wounded soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines receive the finest healthcare available through the military health system. H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warriors Assistance Act makes comprehensive improvements to medical care, quality of life and the administrative process associated with American troops wounded or injured in combat and other military medical outpatients.

"Every member of our military, and especially those who have been wounded in battle, deserves the very best health care this country can offer them," Congressman Cole said. "This legislation is the first step in ensuring that we protect our American heroes and their families by providing the necessary health care in a more prompt and efficient manner."

This legislation comes weeks after reports of substandard conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center were brought to the attention of Congress.

"The tragic circumstances at Walter Reed are highly unacceptable and Congress must to everything in its power to ensure this never happens again there or elsewhere throughout the military medical system," Congressman Cole continued.

The Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007 provides the people, training and oversight mechanisms needed to ensure that our wounded warriors receive the quality medical care they deserve and that the military health system does not fail them again. The legislation also sets the stage for much needed reform of administrative processes that will restore public confidence in the integrity and efficiency of the disability evaluation system and begin the process of achieving a truly seamless transition of service members to the Department of Veterans Affairs programs.

This legislation passed by an overwhelming majority of 426 to 0.

###