WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) introduced the Veterans Cold Weather Injury Compensation Act to allow Korean War veterans who sustained cold weather injuries from harsh conditions to receive compensation and health benefits. Stupak also co-sponsored a bill to increase veterans travel reimbursements from 11 cents per mile to the current federal employee rate of 48.5 cents per mile.

“Most of the Korean War veterans who have shared their war memories have mentioned the bitter cold on the Korean peninsula as one of the enemies they had to face,” Stupak said. “For many veterans, this silent and implacable enemy is more than a memory – it is a living presence in their lives because of amputated limbs, poor circulation, and other chronic conditions they are now experiencing as a result of cold-related injuries. As we honor all our veterans this Friday, we should honor all our combat veterans fairly with adequate benefits.”

In addition to the more than 36,000 American lives lost during the Korean War, countless soldiers incurred severe injuries. Stupak introduced the bill citing that injuries related to cold weather should be treated no differently than injuries from a bullet or mine. The bill aims to bring attention to these veterans by providing the opportunity for deserved compensation and health benefits.

Stupak also co-sponsored the Disabled Veterans Fairness Act that seeks to provide more fair travel reimbursements for disabled veterans who travel to and from medical facilities. Despite record high gas prices, disabled veterans are currently reimbursed 11 cents per mile and pay a three dollar deductible each way. The bill would increase the reimbursement level to the federal employee rate of 48.5 cents per mile and repeal the deductible. In addition, the bill would mandate new funds be appropriated to cover the costs so other Veterans Affairs programs are not cut to pay for the increased reimbursements.

“The travel reimbursement rate for disabled veterans has not been updated since 1977,” Stupak said. “With gas prices in excess of $2.35 per gallon, it is a crime that our veterans are only receiving 11 cents per mile in reimbursements. This bill works to improve these benefits to bring them inline with the same standards our own federal employees are afforded. It’s important that we honor our veterans throughout the year, not just on Veteran’s Day.”

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