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Congressmen Matt Gaetz and Jimmy Panetta Introduce the Warrior Act for Veterans and Disabled Service Members

November 9, 2017

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congressmen Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Warrior Act, bipartisan legislation helping veterans attend Military Adaptive Sports Programs (MASP). These sports events, developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), enhance the recovery and rehabilitation of wounded warriors.

The best-known Military Adaptive Sports Program is the "Warrior Games." Established in 2010, the Warrior Games is an invitational competition between teams of athletes from different branches of the Armed Forces. The 2017 Warrior Games was held in Chicago from June 30th to July 8th, and featured teams from the Army, Air Force, Navy/Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command, as well as teams from the United Kingdom and Australia.

Each service branch has created a robust adaptive sports program, and hosts events nationwide. Far more than just sports, these holistic healing events help wounded warriors recover in mind, body, and spirit. They feature caregiver training, art and music therapy, and more. MASP events are open to wounded, ill, or injured service members. Unfortunately, there is no specific authorization in the program for veterans. Congressmen Gaetz and Panetta's new legislation codifies DoD appropriations funding, ensuring that veterans will be able to attend MASP events.

"The brave men and women of our Armed Forces have all made sacrifices for their country, and America is grateful for their service. Service members in my district and nationwide have praised the Adaptive Sports Programs, which assist wounded warriors on their path to recovery. Yet these great, healing events have been unavailable to veterans. We cannot and must not overlook these heroes. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Congressman Panetta — this small change will make a huge difference in the lives of veterans," Rep. Gaetz said.

"Veterans and disabled-servicemembers who served and sacrificed for our nation deserve our full support, including the opportunity to participate in the Warrior Games. I am proud to help champion this simple legislative fix, which will ensure that our nation's heroes have access to an athletic competition that aids their physical and mental rehabilitation and recovery," Rep. Panetta said.