WASHINGTON, D.C. – This Thursday, April 12, Rep. George Miller (D-Martinez) will meet with recent veterans of the Iraq war and veterans service providers to learn about the quality of healthcare services for troops returning from the war. Following the private meeting, Miller will hold a press availability to discuss what the new Congress has done so far and what more must be done to ensure that troops returning from the Iraq war receive proper medical and psychological care. Rep. Ellen Tauscher (D-Walnut Creek), who also planned to participate, will no longer be able to attend the availability due to a scheduling conflict.

Media reports and Congressional hearings since February have uncovered substandard living conditions and unacceptable treatment of wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Congressional committees have been examining whether these issues may indicate problems at military and veterans’ health facilities in other parts of the country. On March 28, by a vote of 426 to 0, the House passed legislation to improve care and treatment for injured American soldiers.

Also last month, the House passed a federal budget, supported only by Democratic lawmakers and outside organizations, that provides the largest increase for veterans’ health care in American history – and authorizes $3.5 billion more for veterans care than does President Bush’s budget.

What:	Press Availability on Iraq Veterans’ Healthcare
Who:	Rep. George Miller, Chairman, Democratic Policy Committee Veterans and members of veterans organizations
When:	3:00 p.m.
Where:	VA Medical Center 150 Muir Road Martinez, CA

Note: The press availability is expected to begin at 3:00 p.m. PST but members of the news media should plan to arrive no later than 2:45 p.m.

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