U.S. Rep. Ron Barber Will Speak at VA Town Hall in Tucson Tomorrow

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Ron Barber tomorrow will speak as the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System holds a town hall following an investigation into delays in providing health care to veterans.

"I represent more than 85,000 veterans in Southern Arizona and I am committed to ensuring that they receive effective and prompt medical care when and where they need it," Barber said today. "While the recent comprehensive review of the VA medical system is a critical step, it is crucial to remember that this is not the end of the process. I encourage veterans and their families to join me tomorrow to offer their perspectives."

Tomorrow's town hall in Tucson is among those that new VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald has ordered at VA hospitals across the country to improve communication with, and hear directly from, veterans nationwide.

The sessions were ordered after the VA's Office of Inspector General released its final report on scheduling and other issues at the Phoenix VA Health Care System.

Two weeks ago, Barber commented on that report, telling veterans that he is committed to continuing his work with them and the VA "to ensure the veterans and military families I work for in Southern Arizona receive the care they deserve and have earned with their selfless service."

Barber met with the director of the Southern Arizona Veterans Health Care Service to advocate for better access for local veterans.

Barber voted on July 30 with a broad bipartisan majority of the House to pass the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act by a 420-5 margin.

The law includes $15 billion in emergency funding: $10 billion for expanded health care options for veterans and $5 billion to bolster care within the VA. It also includes $2 billion in non-emergency funding for other services for veterans and their families.

The law includes an expansion of the Fry Scholarship, which Barber pushed his colleagues to support in a Motion to Instruct conferees earlier in July. The scholarship will expand education opportunities so that surviving spouses of veterans can further their education and better their lives.

The legislation was supported by a number of Veterans' Service Organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and Disabled American Veterans.

Veterans and their families are invited to participate in tomorrow's meeting from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to arrive early as seats are first-come, first-served. Doors will open at 1 p.m. Questions about attendance may be directed to SAVAHCS at 520-792-1450.

Accredited members of the media are welcome to attend tomorrow's town hall.

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