Here's my Memorial Day weekend update, in honor of those who we've lost, and also to thank Sacramento County's veterans and service members for their service.
Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. As a doctor who's helped care for World War II, Korean, and Vietnam War veterans, I'm continually humbled by the enormous sacrifices our heroes and their families have made.
On this Memorial Day weekend, I'd like to not only honor the memory of those we have lost, but also to thank Sacramento County's veterans and active duty service members for their service to our country.
Our veterans and service members have served us, and now we must serve them. That's why my office in Rancho Cordova specializes in helping veterans who are having trouble getting the benefits their owed.
Here are some brief updates on how I'm working to support our military and veterans:
Holding the VA Accountable
I'm alarmed by recent news reports that some veterans may have died while waiting for medical care at VA hospitals.
It's outrageous and completely unacceptable that people who've risked their lives for our country could be going without the care they need.
We must make sure this problem isn't widespread. That's why I'm urging the VA Secretary to quickly share the full details of his ongoing audit of VA health facilities so we can get to the bottom of this issue.
I also voted for the bipartisan Veterans Affairs Management and Accountability Act this week so the VA can more easily dismiss senior employees who aren't doing their jobs.
Health Care for Heroes
We have to do a much better job of ensuring our heroes can access the health care and support services they have earned.
That's why last year I co-authored the 21st Century Health Care for Heroes Act with my Republican colleague and a veteran himself, Congressman Chris Gibson. This bill is now the law of the land.
Part of a bipartisan effort to construct a streamlined and easily accessibly electronic health record system for service members and veterans, this common-sense initiative will have the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs merge their electronic health records.
This will save money, makes the transition to civilian life easier for vets, and help address the VA backlog. In essence, this will make government work for our veterans.
How I Can Help
Making government work for our veterans is one of my top priorities.
My local staff specializes in helping veterans fix problems they may be having with the federal government - including backlogged benefits, health care issues, and more.
I'm proud to report that because of our efforts, we've now helped hundreds of local veterans recover more than $876,000 in backlogged benefits and services. We're here to help local veterans cut through government red tape.
If you're a veteran who needs help or you know one, please call us at (916) 635 0505 or visit bera.house.gov/gethelp for assistance.
You may also visit my website to learn more about how I'm working to support our military and veterans.
As always, please never hesitate to call or write to my office to share your views. My door is always open.