[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E97]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E97]]



                   COMBAT VETERANS MEDICAL EQUITY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM BLILEY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 1999

  Mr. BLILEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to reintroduce the Combat 
Veterans Medical Equity Act. This legislation guarantees eligibility 
for Veterans Administration (VA) hospital care and medical services 
based on the award of the Purple Heart Medal. It also sets the 
enrollment priority for combat injured veterans for medical service at 
level three--the same level as former prisoners of war and veterans 
with service-connected disabilities rated between 10 and 20 percent.
  Most people are unaware that under current law, the Purple Heart does 
not qualify a veteran for medical care at VA facilities. This bill 
would change the law to ensure combat-wounded veterans receive 
automatic access to treatment at VA facilities.
  We as a nation owe a debt of gratitude to all our veterans who have 
been awarded the Purple Heart for injuries suffered in service to this 
country. This bill is long overdue and I am proud to sponsor this bill 
for our Nation's Purple Heart recipients.
  This bipartisan legislation has over 100 original cosponsors and has 
been endorsed by the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

                          ____________________