Issue Position: Veteran's Affairs

Issue Position

Issue Position: Veteran's Affairs

With the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan at the forefront of the minds of all Americans, we can not forget the sacrifices of our nations' Veterans. I am forever grateful to the millions of men and women who put themselves in harm's way everyday for the sake of our country. We all owe them a great deal of gratitude for their personal sacrifices.

The services we provide our veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs are as important as ever as thousands of new wartime veterans leave the service. I am committed to making sure we provide veterans with the benefits and quality medical care they deserve. Last year, I voted in support of $33.9 billion dollars in funding for veterans benefits. I will support another increase for VA health care this year and I am confident Congress will deliver.

On a local level, I am committed to ensuring that veterans in Kentucky have a local doctor to see if they need one. I am also encouraged by the progress Kentucky's VA hospitals are making in the areas of renovation and remodeling through the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES). I want our current and future facilities to be able to provide the best health care possible in the most efficient and effective way for our Veterans across the Commonwealth.

I recognize concerns have been raised nationally about the level of care for wounded soldiers. This is an issue the President, the Department of Defense and Congress have closely examined. In considering the level of care provided to our soldiers, an independent commission created by the President reviewed two of Kentucky's facilities - Ireland Army Community Hospital at Fort Knox and the Blanchfield Army Community Hospital in Fort Campbell. Both facilities passed their inspection and were found to provide exceptional care. I will continue to work to ensure that all returning wounded soldiers receive high quality care.

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