Tim Walz: “today I rise because I am introducing the Veterans Pain Care Act of 2008. This bill will require the Secretary of the VA…”

“today I rise because I am introducing the Veterans Pain Care Act of 2008. This bill will require the Secretary of the VA to develop and implement a comprehensive policy on pain management for veterans enrolled in the VA health care system and to carry out a program of research, training and education on acute and chronic pain. Modern warfare leads to serious, but survivable, injuries. While advances in medical technology have saved lives, many of our wounded soldiers have been afflicted by acute and chronic pain. Pain is a leading cause of disability among veterans. As a result, providing adequate pain management is a crucial component to improving veterans' welfare. The Department of Veteran Affairs has pain care programs, but a comprehensive plan isn't consistently enforced across the system. My legislation will give the VA the necessary tools to serve the needs of our veterans. This bill has the support of a wide range of organizations. I would like to enter into the Record a letter of support from 50 organizations in the Pain Care Coalition. The Senate companion to this bill has the support of both the chairman and the ranking member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. I am hopeful that this will garner bipartisan support for this legislation in the House and be passed to support our veterans.”