Milwaukee City Wire

On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined the entire Wisconsin congressional delegation in introducing a new bill to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Tomah, Wisconsin after Jason Simcakoski, a Wisconsin veteran who tragically lost his life after battling addiction to opioids prescribed by the VA.

“Jason’s tragic story is also one of determination, as he alerted law enforcement authorities to the deadly opioid prescription practices at the Tomah VA Medical Center while he himself was suffering from those abuses,” the senator said. “Renaming the Tomah VA Medical Center after Jason will honor his efforts to try to save himself and other veterans from the systemic abuses that occurred and serve as a constant reminder of the duty of care owed to every veteran.”

Jason Simcakoski, a former Marine Corps member, sustained a significant head injury during his service and required prolonged medical treatment at the Tomah VA Medical Center. Unfortunately, he was overprescribed many medications, including opioids, which eventually led to his tragic passing in 2014.

Sen. Johnson is not alone in his support for this legislation. He is joined by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Representatives Bryan Steil (R-Wis.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Gwen Moore (D-Wis.), Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.), Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.), and Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.).

This bill aims to pay tribute to Jason Simcakoski's bravery and raise awareness about the need for improved care for veterans. The full text of the legislation can be found here.

The renaming of the Tomah VA Medical Center after Jason Simcakoski will serve as a constant reminder of the duty owed to every veteran and the importance of providing them with the care and support they deserve.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/2024/1/sen-johnson-joins-wisconsin-delegation-in-introducing-bill-to-rename-tomah-va-after-wisconsin-veteran-jason-simcakoski