PRAISES INCLUSION OF $450 FOR TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY VICTIMS

As the War in Iraq enters its fifth year, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) voted to approve a resolution that would pressure the Iraqi government to meet a series of security, political and economic benchmarks so that American troops can withdraw in 2008.  The U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans Health and Iraq Accountability Act passed 218-212.  Rep. Pascrell the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force was pleased that the measure included $450 million for Traumatic Brain Injury, an infliction that military medical experts consider to be the signature wound of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“This legislation is an opportunity for Congress to undo some of the severe damage caused by this unnecessary war.  It is a war that has created more enemies for our nation, it that estranged us from our allies in the world, and has truly made our nation less safe, not more so.  Today Congress took an important step toward ensuring troop readiness, providing proper care and services for our deserving veterans and finally bringing some accountability to our War in Iraq.”
 
As the founder and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, Rep Pascrell has worked extensively with Congressman Jack Murtha, the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, and other experts in the brain injury community to create a comprehensive plan that would maximize the $450 million made available in the measure.

“The $450 million in funding to prevent combat related brain injuries, and provide for military traumatic brain injury victims is long overdue,” stated Pascrell.  “This investment will allow our top military and private sector health experts collaborate to establish a comprehensive research, prevention, and treatment plan for our troops from the time they step foot on the battlefield, until they return home to their communities.”

“The federal government must never lose sight of the debt we owe to America’s bravest sons and daughters once they return home from war.  The security of our nation and integrity of our democracy depends on it.”

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