An amendment sponsored by U.S. Rep. Tom Allen of Maine calling for better medical screening of military personnel has been attached to a federal defense spending bill.

The directive, which was voted part of the defense bill Wednesday night, was prompted by similar legislation in Maine that’s virtually assured of enactment.

Allen’s budget amendment directs the Defense Department to assess policies governing vaccinations given to military personnel and study whether multiple vaccinations in a 24-hour period are safe and effective.

The Democratic congressman said he submitted the amendment after meeting with Barbara Damon-Day of Newcastle, Maine. Her son, Maine Army National Guard Capt. Patrick Damon, died of undetermined causes in Afghanistan last June.

Damon-Day, who believes extensive immunizations were a factor in her son’s death, pushed for legislation in Maine that will create a commission to review preventative health treatment practices, vaccinations and other medications given to members of the Maine National Guard.

The bill has overwhelming, bipartisan support in the Legislature, and Gov. John Baldacci has pledged to sign it when it reaches his desk.

As the legislation she sought gained momentum in Augusta, Damon-Day expressed hope that it would inspire federal action.

“This issue would not have been raised to this level with out the courage and the determination of Barbara Damon-Day,” said Maine House Speaker Glenn Cummings, D-Portland, sponsor of the Maine bill.

In Washington, Allen also gave Damon-Day credit for elevating the concern over military vaccinations.

“Vaccinations are intended to protect our armed forces from disease, but there are real concerns about serious potential harm that may result from multiple vaccinations given to troops at one time,” Allen said.

AP-ES-05-17-07 1307EDT

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