FY 21: Increase VA Pacific Staffing

Statement

Recognizing the need to improve care and services to Marianas veterans, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs included my requests to increase Veterans Affairs benefits, health care, and Vet Center staff presence in the Marianas in its report accompanying the FY 21 spending bill. The U.S. Veterans Administration is also directed to report to the Appropriations Committee whether it is feasibility to assign full-time, permanent VBA, Vet Center, and VHA staff in the Marianas and other underserved areas. The report must include feedback from Marianas' veterans and their families about their satisfaction--or lack thereof--with the care and services they are receiving. An audit of hiring practices is also required to determine whether the VA is fully using its existing authorities to recruit and retain qualified staff to serve Pacific veterans.

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