Baldwin, Capito Introduce Bipartisan VA Reform Legislation

Press Release

Today U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) introduced the Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act, bipartisan VA reform legislation aimed at providing safer and more effective pain management services to our nation's veterans. Senators Baldwin and Capito were joined in introduction by the Ranking Member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Jon Tester (D-MT).

"The VA's overreliance on opioids has resulted in getting our veterans hooked instead of getting them the help they deserve, and I am proud to be joined by Senator Capito today to officially introduce the bipartisan Jason Simcakoski Memorial Opioid Safety Act to improve quality pain management for veterans and their families," said Senator Baldwin. "Our bipartisan bill will take steps to give veterans and their families a stronger voice in their care by strengthening opioid prescribing guidelines; improving coordination and communication throughout the VA; and putting in place stronger oversight and accountability for the quality of care we are providing our veterans. Our goal is to put these bipartisan reforms in place to prevent tragedies from occurring to other veterans and their families."

"Too many of our nation's veterans have returned from overseas only to fight another battle here at home. Tragically, stories like Jason Simcakoski's exist all around the country, including in my home state of West Virginia. Far too many young West Virginia veterans have faced the horrors of PTSD and failed to receive the quality of care they deserve. These are heartbreaking examples of the grave magnitude of overmedication, and we must do everything in our power to prevent deadly opioid overmedication in our VA facilities. I am proud to join with Senator Baldwin to strengthen opioid prescribing guidelines and improve pain management services at the VA. This legislation will not only provide our veterans a healthier transition to civilian life, it will save lives," said Senator Capito.

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