Walberg, Krishnamoorthi, Guthrie, and Gottheimer Introduce POW Priority Care Act
Washington, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) introduced the POW Priority Care Act. This bipartisan legislation would elevate former Prisoners of War (POW) from Priority Group 3 to Priority Group 1 in the scale used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to determine eligibility for health care benefits and services.
“As we recognize the valor of our heroic veterans, we are reminded of our steadfast commitment to deliver timely, quality care for those who have served,” said Rep. Walberg. “Prisoners of War have endured unimaginable hardships in service to our country and deserve the highest level of care at the VA. I am proud to partner with my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to improve the quality of care for those who have sacrificed so much in the line of duty.”
“As we pay tribute to our veterans and remember their sacrifices on Veterans Day this week, it’s important we show them our gratitude by taking meaningful action to provide them with the level of care they deserve," said Rep. Krishnamoorthi. "Veterans who were Prisoners of War have sacrificed so much on behalf of our country, and deserve the highest quality healthcare and services. It is time to get it to them.”
“I am proud to once again be an original co-sponsor of the POW Priority Care Act which puts our sacred responsibility to support our veterans first," said Rep. Guthrie. "Prisoners of War have faced unimaginable hardships and wounds that are both visible and invisible. This important legislation recognizes the adversity that our POWs have faced by elevating these veterans to the highest priority status for health care services at Veterans Affairs facilities. I am proud to join with Congressman Walberg, Krishnamoorthi, and Gottheimer in introducing this bill and supporting our POWs. I can think of no better way to honor those who have given so much to our country, this Veterans Day.”
"After sacrificing so much and returning home to the nation they defended, it is our duty as Americans to do everything we can for veterans that were held as Prisoners of War," said Rep. Gottheimer. "We must ensure they have the care they need and the endless thanks we all owe. As we honor Veterans Day and the brave men and women who have proudly served and protected our nation, I’m proud to support the bipartisan POW Priority Care Act.”