Washington, DC, Mar 29, 2007 -

Congressman John Carter (R, Round Rock), House Republican Conference Secretary, yesterday voted for the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act (H.R. 1538). The bill makes comprehensive improvements to medical care, quality of life and the administrative processes associated with American troops wounded or injured in combat and other military medical outpatients.

“Our fighting men and women wounded serving their country deserve the highest quality health care. The deplorable situation revealed at Walter Reed is intolerable. This bill will provide the first step to fixing such problems where they exist and ensuring our troops are receiving the medical care they deserve,” said Congressman Carter. “This issue rises above partisan politics and I am happy we were able to work across party lines to pass this legislation unanimously.”

The bill creates a toll-free hotline for military personnel and their families to report deficiencies, caps the number of cases a physical evaluation board liaison officer may handle at 20 and limits medical care case managers to 17 cases. The legislation also facilitates an easier transition of care from the Department of Defense to the Department of Veterans Affairs.