    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [March 7, 2007]
    [Page 253]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting With Cochairs of the President's Commission
    on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors
    March 7, 2007

        I am concerned that our soldiers and their families are not getting
    the treatment that they deserve, having volunteered to defend our
    country. Any report of medical neglect will be taken seriously by this
    administration, and I'm confident by the Congress, and we will address
    problems quickly.
        I've asked two of America's fine public servants, Senator Dole and Secretary Shalala,
    to chair a Commission that will analyze our health care both at the
    Defense Department and at the Veterans Department, to ensure that not
    only our soldiers but their families have got complete confidence in the
    Government's upholding its responsibility to treat those who have been
    wounded.
        I am concerned that there may be flaws in the system between when a
    soldier is on the battlefield, through the Defense Department, through
    the Veterans Administration, and finally to the community. I can't think
    of two better people to analyze the situation and to make
    recommendations--two people to lead a Commission of probably nine
    people--and that would be Senator Dole, who
    is himself a veteran, and a wounded veteran at that, a former
    distinguished Senator, a man who knows Washington well. But more
    importantly, he knows the kind of questions to ask. And Secretary
    Shalala, who is an expert on health. She
    lived after 8 years in President Clinton's administration; she knows what to look for; she knows the
    questions to ask.
        And I'm confident that this Commission will bring forth the truth.
    And as I assured the Chairmen, I am confident that there will be a quick response to any
    problems that you may find. So I can't thank you enough for taking time
    and to serve your nation once again. God bless. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:12 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to former Sen. Robert J. Dole; and
    former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna E. Shalala.