WALZ’S TBI LEGISLATION UNANIMOUSLY PASSES HOUSE

05/24/2007

Walz's legislation incorporated into larger measure and passed by a vote of 421-0.


(Washington, D.C.) - Yesterday evening, the United States House of Representatives approved the provisions of H.R. 2179, the Traumatic Brain Injury Centers Act, sponsored by Congressman Tim Walz. The Walz bill was incorporated into a larger legislative package (H.R. 2199) designed to address traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which passed the House last night by a vote of 421-0.

Walz's legislation will create five Traumatic Brain Injury Centers around the country that will conduct research, develop improved models for patient care and provide education and training for VA staff about TBI.

"Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we must do everything we can to help veterans cope with these life-changing injuries," said Walz. "The comprehensive TBI package approved by the House today combines my bill with legislation my colleagues have introduced to address TBI. This legislation is a big step forward to help the men and women who have served overseas and returned home with these wounds."

"Rep. Walz's bill is essential to ensuring that the VA is conducting intensive research on TBIs," said Rep. Michaud, who is the lead sponsor on H.R. 2199. "By concentrating TBI research in five centers, we can ensure that VA doctors are able to share and coordinate information easily and that our veterans are benefiting from the most recent treatments developed by the research conducted in these centers. I was pleased to include Rep. Walz's legislation as part of the Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-term Support Act."

H.R. 2199, the Traumatic Brain Injury Health Enhancement and Long-Term Support Act of 2007 was sponsored by Veterans' Affairs Health Subcommittee Chairman Michaud. It also includes language from H.R. 1944, the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment Act of 2007.

While new forms of military technology routinely save soldiers' lives from deadly explosive attacks, soldiers often return home suffering from TBI. Veterans suffering from TBI often have to relearn simple skills and are at times left permanently unable to perform daily functions.

"As America's service members return home, many of them suffering from TBI, we owe them nothing less than the highest quality care as they learn to live with their injuries," concluded Walz.