NE Atlanta News

Congressman Rich McCormick, along with 25 fellow Members of Congress, has sent a letter to Secretary Martínez-López urging increased funding and support for research on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) treatment for military service members and veterans. The letter highlights the urgent need for rapid treatment options to minimize damage when TBI occurs and addresses the prevalence of mitochondria dysfunction in TBI patients.

The letter emphasizes recent studies showing the increased risks TBI patients face, including mental health issues, higher rates of suicide, and the development of neurodegenerative disorders. It also highlights positive data from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the James A. Haley Veterans Medical Center on the use of mitochondria organelle transplantation to address mitochondria dysfunction resulting from TBI.

Rep. McCormick and his colleagues commended the cooperation between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in advancing research on effective TBI treatments. The funding for the research program has been approved through the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) and the Omnibus IV DOD Medical Research Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract.

"We urge Secretary Martínez-López to ensure that this vital research program receives the necessary funding and support to develop effective treatments for TBI patients," said Congressman McCormick (GA-06). "Our military service members and veterans deserve the best care possible, and this collaborative effort between WRAIR, VA, and DOD is a crucial step in improving outcomes for TBI patients."

“Researchers are at the precipice of treating traumatic brain injury in a revolutionary new way, and we need federal support to push that treatment over the finish line,” said Congressman Bill Keating (MA-09). “Innovative researchers in my own district in Plymouth are leading the way, and their work could be life-changing for returning veterans and athletes who suffer from TBI. Critically, this new treatment could also have life-changing effects for those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. Too much is at stake for us not to further this research.”

“Our nation’s service members and veterans have made great sacrifices for us on the battlefield, and they deserve access to the highest level of care. The least we can do is ensure adequate support for those suffering with medical conditions resulting from combat such as traumatic brain injury,” said Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01).

“We must spare no effort in our fight to improve quality of life for wounded servicemembers,” said Congressman Don Davis (NC-01). “The researchers at Walter Reed Military Medical Center are doing God’s work as they look for new treatments.”

“We owe our servicemembers and veterans high-quality care in return for their sacrifice,” said Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (TX-16). “We understand brain injuries to be a silent threat to our military personnel; far more must be done to protect them.”

“Traumatic Brain Injuries can lead to severe consequences if left untreated," said Congressman Cory Mills (FL-07). "As a veteran myself, I want our nation’s service members receiving top treatments available.”

Press Inquiries: julie.singleton@mail.house.gov