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 Senator Murray helps unveil the “Wounded Warriors Bill,” a comprehensive plan that responds to problems brought to light by the Walter Reed scandal. |
Dear Friend:
This weeky we took some important steps forward to improve healthcare for veterans around the country and here in Washington state. Here are the highlights:
New “Wounded Warrior Bill” Moves Forward
Today, the Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act, a new groundbreaking approach to taking care of our wounded service members, passed the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Details
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Dramatic Boost for Veterans Funding
I’m moving forward with a VA budget that is $3.6 billion higher than the President’s budget. Today, that funding passed the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Details
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Walla Walla VA Facilities
I support a new outpatient facility and told the VA it will need to provide funding in it’s budget next year. I also support a new extended care facility and told the VA to make it a priority.
Details
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Wenatchee VA Clinic
I instructed the VA to stop the delays and open the clinic full time (It opened on a part-time schedule this week).
Details
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Northwest Washington VA Clinic
I told the VA to make sure this clinic opens on time, as scheduled, in February 2008.
Details
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Making Washington’s Military Facilities Stronger
This week, we also took steps forward to strengthen Washington’s military facilities (Details) – including building a new regional training center at Naval Station Everett (Details).
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Gulf War Veterans
Recently, I sent a letter to the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs urging them to notify and care for Gulf War veterans who may have been exposed to dangerous sarin nerve gas in 1991.
Details
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In the News
Health Care: Better care for vets
Sen. Patty Murray said a new bill, Dignified Treatment of Wounded Warriors Act, would address health care transition issues between the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. She's pushing for a comprehensive system for rating people for treatment, medical leaves, rehabilitation, etc., with special emphasis on the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, and treatment of brain injuries and post-traumatic stress.
- Seattle Post-Intelligencer - July 14, 2007
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“It is my understanding that veterans who are at great risk of harm are specifically cited by the Joint Commission as receiving less than adequate care,” Murray wrote in a May 31 letter to James Nicholson, who as secretary of the federal Department of Veterans Affairs oversees the nationwide network of hospitals and clinics for veterans.
- The News Tribune - June 14, 2007
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A few years ago the VA promised a new, modern facility in Walla Walla, but Murray says they aren't living up to that promise, so she wants to hold them accountable.
Murray has added language to a senate bill that would fund construction of a new outpatient clinic in Walla Walla.
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Recent Updates:
http://murray.senate.gov/vetupdates/update22.html
http://murray.senate.gov/vetupdates/update21.html
http://murray.senate.gov/vetupdates/update19.html