Gabbard, Schatz and Hirono Pledge Support for Hawaii Veterans
In wake of VA scandal and Shinseki's resgination, members of state's congressional delegation push new initiatives.
With the recent resignation of VA Secretary Eric Shinseki, veterans’ health care issues are fresh in the American psyche, and in the forefront of discussion among members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation.
Tulsi Gabbard, Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono are all voicing their concern for Hawaii veterans, after it was revealed that veterans were put on long waiting lists to receive health care and that officials covered up the delays.
In response, Congress has drafted the Ensuring Veterans Access to Care Act 2014. Schatz and Hirono have pledged their support for the Act, which promises to cut wait times, make health care more accessible and create better facilities.
On Tuesday, Schatz became a co-sponsor of the act, which calls for a new VA medical facility in Oahu.
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Hirono also gave her support in a press release on Tuesday, saying it would authorize spending $15,887,370 for the Leeward Oahu VA Outpatient Healthcare Access Center. In addition she said the Act would help bring in more doctors and allow for removal of incompetent senior officials.
“The Ensuring Veterans Access to Care Act is a step toward upholding the commitment our nation has made to caring for our veterans and I hope that the Senate can put partisan politics aside to pass this bill quickly,” Hirono said.
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The Ensuring Veterans Access to Care Act would take an initial step toward better health care by “authorizing” actions. How the legislation would actually impact Hawaii veterans remains to be seen.
Read the entire piece at: http://www.civilbeat.com/2014/06/gabbard-schatz-and-hirono-pledge-support-for-hawaii-veterans/
