Souder Continues Fight for Veterans' Health Care

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN) expressed today his ongoing commitment to veterans who receive care at the Fort Wayne VA hospital. Since the 2004 CARES Commission Report recommended the Veterans Administration close acute inpatient care at the Fort Wayne VA hospital, Souder has been fighting to keep veterans' inpatient care in Fort Wayne.

He led the original effort to commission a second report to assess veterans care. Souder firmly believed that only an independent organization would be able to objectively evaluate Fort Wayne veterans' inpatient care needs. Ultimately, the Department of Veterans Affairs contracted Booz Allen Hamilton to conduct a second survey.

Since the report was submitted last fall, Congressman Souder has made countless requests for the Booz Allen Hamilton study to be released publicly. Significant portions of the report remain embargoed by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"I'm disappointed that the VA has delayed its full disclosure of this report for more than half a year," stated Souder. "I wish the report had recommended the obvious solution—a new wing for inpatient care at the current hospital. The study did confirm, however, that our Fort Wayne Veterans hospital exceeds the minimum standard for inpatient care beds."

"Despite the VA Department's lack of transparency, I am relieved that the Administration chose not to release information that could have potentially damaging effects," Souder added. "The decision to continue their research is positive news for veterans and the VA hospital."

Souder will partner with local veterans—and work with Republican and Democrat leaders in Congress—to maintain the pressure for an acceptable resolution.

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