(March 16, 2007)--Congress is reportedly taking a look at whether the Army is running a posh, upscale ward for VIP patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center at the expense of ordinary war wounded.

USA Today reports the inquiry was prompted by revelations about substandard housing for troops at the famed medical center in Washington.

The high-end suites at Walter reed are reserved for the president, vice president, federal judges, members of Congress and even foreign dignitaries.

Massachusetts Democrat John Tierney says lawmakers want to know if the money used for the VIP ward is having an impact on medical treatment given to wounded troops.

Tierney is heading up a congressional investigation of allegations of poor care for war-wounded outpatients at Walter Reed.

Meanwhile Friday President Bush says the nation needs to make sure wounded troops receive "the best" care.

Mr. Bush met Friday with the newly appointed members of a bipartisan presidential commission that will look into the scandal over shoddy outpatient care at Walter Reed.

Former Republican Senator Bob Dole and former Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala head the commission.

The president noted its members include a Purple Heart recipient, the wife of a severely wounded soldier and a doctor.

He described the commission members as "compassionate people" who want to make sure the government fulfills its responsibility to wounded troops and to veterans.

Mr. Bush vowed to fix any problems the commission might find with the veterans' health care system.

He said the panel's work would "set a standard" that would extend beyond his presidency.

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