Senate Takes Up Ruppersberger/Jones/Hoyer Veterans Transition Assistance Act of 2004
The legislation will help severely wounded troops from Iraq and Afghanistan smoothly transition back into civilian life. Congressman Ruppersberger introduced the House version together with Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Congressman Walter Jones (R-NC) on September 9th, 2004.
According to the Congressional Research Service, the survival rate of American casualties during Operation Iraqi Freedom is higher than in any other war. Seven thousand servicemen and women have been wounded in combat in Iraq. The lawmakers behind this bill believe America must take care of our wounded troops when they come back from the battlefield, and that we must do it today.
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.
"I applaud Senator Bond and Senator Kennedy for answering the call to help these brave men and women in uniform who have been severely injured. These men and women and their loved ones have made tremendous sacrifices for their country. 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. They deserve the best assistance possible to help them recuperate and return to their normal lives with their families and loved ones," said Congressman C.A. Ruppersberger (D-MD).
"As Chairman of VA -- HUD I continue to work with my distinguished colleague Senator Mikulski to make the transition from the military support system to the VA support system as seamless possible. This legislation is vital for the welfare of our troops, their loved ones and families, and for the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs," said Senator Bond of the floor of the U.S. Senate today.
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.
Ruppersberger said he hoped the House and Senate could complete action on the companion bills next month and send the legislation to the President to be signed into law before the end of this year.
Related Bill: HR 5057
See Also: Disabled Veterans Issues
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