FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 18, 2008
Contact: Nels Ackerson for Congress, 317-733-8468
Ackerson calls for investigation into drug testing on war veterans
Challenger says Buyer made no effort to stop government experiments
Fourth District Congressional candidate Nels Ackerson today called for an investigation into the Department of Veterans Affairs' practice of testing dangerous experimental drugs on war veterans in exchange for small cash payments.
"Congress stood idly by while our government experimented on the men and women who've fought for our country and our freedom," Ackerson said. "It's an absolute outrage."
A recent Washington Times investigation revealed that hundreds of veterans participated in a government program that paid them a small monthly stipend in exchange for taking drugs with severe side effects like psychosis and suicidal behavior.
At least one of the experiments specifically targeted veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. One veteran involved in that experiment referred to himself as "a lab rat for $30 per month."
Ackerson said he was appalled and expressed disappointment that Congressman Steve Buyer, the ranking Republican on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, did nothing to oppose the experimental testing.
"The brave Hoosiers returning to the Fourth District look to their Congressman for leadership and protection," Ackerson said. "Steve Buyer has been in office for 16 years and claims to have veterans' interests at heart, but he didn't exercise the oversight available to him."
According to federal campaign finance records, the pharmaceutical and health products industry was Buyer's top contributor in the 2006 election cycle. He already has received $38,000 from the industry this election cycle.
"We need to elect people to Congress who will stand up for the little guy, not bow to the special interests," Ackerson said. "I've spent the last two decades taking on government and big corporations in the courtroom, and I'll bring that same spirit and dedication to Congress."
