Contact: Josh Holly; 202.226.3988
Opening Statement of Congressman John M. McHugh
Military Personnel Subcommittee Hearing on the Army Medical Action Plan and Other Services’ Support for Wounded Service Members
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John M. McHugh (R-NY), ranking Republican on the Military Personnel Subcommittee, today released the following opening statement for the subcommittee’s hearing on the Army Medical Action Plan and the support all military services provide for wounded service members:
“This hearing gives us the opportunity to continue the subcommittee’s effort to improve the care of injured and wounded troops as they recover and transition either back to duty or to civilian life.
“It is clear that the Army aggressively sought to resolve not only the conditions and problems uncovered at Walter Reed in February 2007, but also to ensure similar problems were eradicated or prevented at other Army installations.
“The Army Medical Action Plan (AMAP) and the leaders responsible for implementing the plan appear to have addressed many of the problems encountered by recovering soldiers and families transitioning from the military. The plan, as directed by the Army Vice Chief of Staff, General Cody, was to be completely implemented by January 2008.
“General Tucker, who has come to be known as the ‘Bureaucracy Buster’, has had the tremendous responsibility of implementing many of the AMAP changes and re-energizing a system that was bruised by events following the Walter Reed disclosure. I look forward to hearing from General Tucker today about the status of AMAP implementation and any quantifiable improvements that have resulted from it.
“With that being said, my confidence in the AMAP is tempered by several recent deaths from unknown causes of soldiers assigned to the Warrior in Transition Units. These tragic deaths call in to question the adequacy of the clinical and administrative oversight of this vulnerable population. I am anxious to hear from General Schoomaker what steps have been taken to stop this very disturbing trend.
“I was also concerned about reports from Fort Drum highlighting an apparent disconnect between the Army and the Department of Veterans Affairs personnel there as to the type of support to be provided disabled soldiers. Both the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of the Army should be commended for the quick response to the reported problem. The recently issued memorandum of mutual support is a positive measure to sort out and coordinate the efforts of both departments. Implementation of the agreement will be the key, however, and I would expect the witnesses’ testimony today to address the agreement.
“Finally, I am very interested in how the Navy and Air Force care for their wounded and injured service members and their families and look forward to hearing the details from their distinguished Surgeons General on the panel today.”
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