Providing for Our Veterans

When young men and women volunteer to serve this country in the military, they expect to be protected after their service time has ended. Unfortunately, there is much more that our government can do to give veterans the care they deserve.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently identified a need for over 26,000 new health care workers. At the same time, the VA has said that nearly half of all post-9/11 veterans will face a period of unemployment. I believe these two problems can be addressed simultaneously. That is why I introduced the Improving Veterans Access to Quality Care Act.

My bill fast tracks the hiring of former military healthcare workers into the VA by recruiting combat medics straight from active duty service into careers providing healthcare to veterans. It also grants the VA the authority to quickly hire former Department of Defense medical professionals by allowing their credentials to transfer between agencies. Finally, it permits Advanced Practicing Registered Nurses to utilize their experience to practice independently at facilities where veterans wait too long to get the care they need.

As a member of Congress, I am very proud to have the opportunity to improve the lives of the brave men and women who serve our nation in the military. We must do everything possible to care for those who have risked their lives defending our freedom. Anything less is simply unacceptable.

Sincerely,

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