Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss an important issue that will be on the floor during debate over the Department of Defense appropriations for fiscal year 2015: the growing field of telemedicine. Mr. Speaker, dating back to 2011, I introduced the Servicemember Telemedicine and E-Health Portability, or STEP, Act. This legislation allows health care professionals credentialed by the Department of Defense to work across State lines without multiple licenses, regardless of where the servicemember is located. It was an important beginning for the Department of Defense to utilize telemedicine, which is efficient, convenient, and a cost- effective way to address the challenges of delivering mental and behavioral health services. Included in the committee report for fiscal year 2015 is language that improves upon the existing infrastructure and highlights the many advantages of utilizing telemedicine, along with an encouragement for all military branches to expand and prioritize these technologies. I thank the chairman and the committee for their recognition of the importance of telemedicine in delivering care to our servicemen and - women, and look to continuing our work to ensure our troops are getting the care that they have earned and deserve. ____________________”