Last week, this blog highlighted Congressman Jerry McNerney's "Caring for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Act" following his introduction of it in the House. Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, is -- as Jerry describes it -- the "hallmark injury of the war in Iraq" affecting approximately half of wounded soldiers.
The Stockton Record editorial board has taken notice of McNerney's legislation, heralding it as a bill worthy of becoming federal law:
Pentagon officials estimate that up to one-third of all Iraq veterans have been exposed to such explosions.
That's why Rep. McNerney, D-Pleasanton, and Arkansas Republican John Boozman have introduced legislation to establish a group in the Department of Veterans Affairs to focus on traumatic brain injuries.
The purpose is to find out exactly how large the problem is, what can be done about it and how best to treat those injured.
Similar legislation has been introduced in the Senate, where, as in the House, it rightfully enjoys bipartisan support.
As this bill winds its way through Congress, we'll keep you posted.
Meanwhile, you can read the rest of the Stockton Record's editorial here.
As the surge in Iraq continues with no deadlines set in Congress for withdrawal, this will ensure that more American soldiers receive these traumatic brain injuries.
It's commendable that McNerney is addressing the issue of our injured war veterans whose cost its estimated will hit $20 billion in care, but its equally important he stop this war and its associated costs, both financial and physical to the lives of the soldiers, their families and to the Iraq citizens themselves. The Majority of the Iraq Parliament has voted for a withdrawal deadline.
Posted by: Val Eisman | May 16, 2007 at 01:06 PM