The Republican proposed veterans' package is a step in the wrong direction, and as IAVA CEO Dr. Kyleanne Hunter puts it, “we should never indicate to one set of veterans that their service is worth less than any other.” Fairness for combat-injured veterans shouldn’t be stalled by partisan politics.
VA needs to show veterans and Congress:
- A strategic, holistic plan
- A streamlined, standardized appointment scheduling process
- IT architecture that can support proper implementation
We couldn’t agree more with DAV: "a grateful nation should never try to balance its budget on the backs of the men and women who sacrificed so much for our freedom." Combat-injured veterans have pushed for the Major Richard Star Act for years. They deserve real benefits, not feigned promises.
Last week, I went to Lansing, Michigan with @democrats-veterans.house.gov for a field hearing. For rural veterans, the difference between an internal VA appointment and a community care option can mean hours of travel.
VA’s patient scheduling has been a pain point for decades. While EPS is a step in the right direction, it just isn't ready. There are more than 1 million community care providers, yet VA only has about 25,000 using EPS—a measly 2%.
As VFW National Commander Carol Whitmore said, “Congress should Honor the Contract and strengthen veterans' programs without creating new costs for those who sacrifice in service to our country.”
On Women Veterans Recognition Day, and every day, we honor the 2 million women who have proudly and courageously served our nation. As the fastest-growing group of veterans, we must protect their access to care and ensure VA remains a welcoming place for all women veterans.
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VA must do better to recruit these providers to ensure veterans can get the timely care they have earned and deserve.
We are thrilled to welcome our newest committee member, @goodlander.house.gov! She proudly served as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve for over a decade, and we are looking forward to having her expertise on our committee.