Ruppersberger, Hoyer, and Jones Introduce Disabled Veterans Transition Assistance Act of 2004

Washington, DC - Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) together with Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) introduced H.R. 5057, the Disabled Veterans Transition Assistance Act of 2004. The legislation will help severely wounded troops from Iraq and Afghanistan smoothly transition back into civilian life.

This week, the number of U.S. military deaths in Iraq moved past 1,000. This significant milestone is accompanied by over 7,000 servicemen and women who have been wounded in combat. The Department of Defense recognized this critical need and initiated the Disabled Soldier Support System (DS3) program in April 2004 to help servicemembers and their family's transition from military service back to civilian life, but this program needs additional resources to help as many severely wounded military personnel as possible. DS3 is currently staffed by only ten people and has a budget of only $1 million.

"We believe Congress must act now - before we leave in October - to help these heroes and heroines. Many of these surviving men and women now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives with severe disabilities - some have lost a limb, been blinded or lost an eye, or suffered a disabling brain injury or disfiguring burn or wound. These men and women have served their country honorably and bravely. They deserve our help now to transition back to civilian life as they work to put their lives back together," said Congressman C.A. Ruppersberger (D-MD).

"Our brave armed forces and their loved ones make a tremendous sacrifice for our country, our people and our security during times of war," said Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD). "It is our duty and responsibility to provide our troops and their families with the necessary assistance when they return home. The DS3 program is already overdue. As a demonstration of our recognition and gratitude for their service and sacrifice, Congress must act now to effectively expand this program."

"The men and women of our armed services bravely put their lives on the line day in and day out to defend our freedom. They are the true heroes in our society," Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) said. "America must guarantee that if they return home wounded we will give them the best assistance possible to help them recuperate and return to their normal lives with their families and loved ones. This bill will help meet that guarantee, and I am honored to be a sponsor of such an important piece of legislation. "

Tony Coelho, former Congressman and author of the Americans with Disabilities Act said, "One of the major factors of a war where we commit American troops is those who return home disabled cannot find a job and don't have government support for accommodations or benefits -- this program is critical to recognize that need. We now have close to 10,000 American young men and women whose own lives and families have been impacted for the rest of their lives. This is something that is critically needed."

This bill addresses that critical need by giving the Secretary of Defense discretional authority to transfer funds to this program to help soldiers and their families resolve pay, benefits, entitlement, and care issues immediately. This bill also expands this assistance to all wounded Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, National Guardsmen, and Reservists.

Related Bill: HR 5057

See Also: Disabled Veterans Issues

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Press Contact for Congressman Steny Hoyer: Katie Elbert (202) 225-4131
Press Contact for Congressman Walter Jones: Kristen Quigley (202) 225 3415