Issue Position: Veterans
Issue Position
A few summers ago, my kids and I had the opportunity to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Memorial features many quotes from our country's heroes. A quote from President Harry Truman, in particular, sticks out to me: "Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude."
In far too many cases, our Veterans Affairs (VA) system has failed to show this nation's gratitude. I was very troubled to learn how widespread the mismanagement, data manipulation, and subpar care within the VA was -- even reaching into facilities that serve South Dakota veterans. I have heard from many in South Dakota who have served that they are happy with their overall care, but others have told me they've waited months -- years in extreme cases -- to receive care. That is unacceptable.
In the summer of 2014, Congress passed -- and the President signed -- an agreement that begins to address many of the VA's most significant problems. This agreement aims to improve access to and quality of health care for Veterans, expand the VA's internal capacity to provide timely care to Veterans, provide accountability for incompetent or corrupt managers, and improve education benefits for Veterans and dependents.
I have also helped pass a more efficient cost-of-living-adjustment formula for veterans (H.R.570) and supported the GI Tuition Fairness Act (H.R.357), which allows veterans to receive in-state tuition for all public universities. I'm also proud to have supported legislation that makes it a criminal offense to fraudulently claim to have been awarded a service medal (Stolen Valor Act).
Hot Springs VA
Especially at a time when the VA is struggling to serve veterans in a timely manner, we cannot afford to close facilities that veterans want and rely on. The VA hospital in Hot Springs has long provided critical care to South Dakota Veterans and that is why I am adamantly opposed to its closure. I have been a vocal advocate for the hospital in Washington and was proud to bring House VA Committee Chairman Jeff Miller and Vice-Chairman Gus Bilirakis to Hot Springs for a congressional hearing on the issue. I have been urging VA Secretary Robert McDonald to visit the Hot Springs VA Hospital and hear personally from the veterans impacted.
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