Working on behalf of our veterans

Throughout American history, the burden of keeping our great nation free and secure has largely fallen on the shoulders of the men and women bravely serving in our Armed Forces. The care we provide to our veterans reflects our gratitude for the courageous servicemen and women who selflessly risk their lives in the protection of others, and it is my responsibility to ensure that the federal government keeps its commitment to provide our veterans with the respect and highest level of care they deserve.

I have had many opportunities to sit down with local veterans in Central Washington. I listened as they expressed their concerns about understaffing at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical clinics and a lack of information about the VA’s programs. Many of the vets described excessive wait times to receive service on their claims and insufficient care from their VA providers. Stories like these are unacceptable, and they test the promise that our nation has made to its veterans. I believe our veterans have earned our deepest respect and gratitude, and this should be reflected the care they receive.

Recently, I, along with the entire Washington congressional delegation, wrote to Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough and the Veterans Health Administration’s Acting Under Secretary Dr. Richard Stone regarding the numerous complaints our offices have received from veterans regarding difficulties in accessing health care.

President Biden’s officials have yet to respond.

This is completely unacceptable. From what my constituents have told me, it is clear the VA is gravely mismanaging their resources. I have even received reports of veterans passing away while waiting for an appointment with a physician. These concerns absolutely must be addressed.

The VA MISSION Act, signed into law by President Trump, increases access to care for veterans in rural communities like ours in Central Washington by allowing them to visit their family doctor instead of waiting for an appointment at a VA health clinic or hospital. This is a great start, but there is still much more work to do.

My office works directly with veterans and their families to help navigate federal agencies like the VA and the Department of Defense. Last year, my office assisted nearly 100 veterans with VA claims, lost service records, earned war medals, and more – resulting in them receiving over $150,000 in combined benefits and paid medical bills. It is my honor to provide this small service for those who sacrificed so much.

Assisting the brave men and women who have served our country is one of the most important aspects of serving in Congress. I am committed to holding the VA accountable and implementing much-needed reforms to increase access to care, improve the quality of benefits, and ensure that each and every veteran is treated with the respect and dignity they have earned.

If you or a loved one is a veteran who needs assistance with the Department of Veterans Affairs, please do not hesitate to contact my Yakima office at (509) 452-3243 or Richland office at (509) 713-7374.