South Michigan News

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) have introduced the POW Priority Care Act. This legislation aims to improve the healthcare benefits and services for former Prisoners of War (POW) by elevating them from Priority Group 3 to Priority Group 1 in the scale used by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Rep. Walberg stated, "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."

Rep. Krishnamoorthi recognized the sacrifices made by veterans and emphasized the importance of providing them with the care they deserve. He said, "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."

Rep. Guthrie, an original co-sponsor of the POW Priority Care Act, highlighted the hardships faced by POWs and the need to prioritize their healthcare. He commented, "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."

Rep. Gottheimer expressed the duty of Americans to support veterans who were held as POWs. He stated, "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. We must ensure they have the care they need and the endless thanks we all owe."

The bipartisan POW Priority Care Act aims to honor the sacrifices made by former POWs by improving their access to healthcare and services. This legislation seeks to elevate their priority status within the VA system, recognizing the unique challenges they have faced.

As the nation prepares to celebrate Veterans Day, it is crucial to take meaningful action to support and care for those who have served. The POW Priority Care Act represents a bipartisan effort to ensure that veterans who were Prisoners of War receive the highest quality healthcare and services they deserve.

Click this link to access more information: https://walberg.house.gov/media/press-releases/walberg-krishnamoorthi-guthrie-and-gottheimer-introduce-pow-priority-care-act