E-Newsletter: Department of Veterans Affairs Scandal Reveals More Troubles

Statement

Despite the resignation of Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, widespread reports of veterans being forced to wait for necessary medical care continue to surface around the country. No cabinet level budget has been increased more by Congress in the last five years, making it clear that this is not simply an issue of resources, but rather the result of systematic failures, poor management, and overall lack of accountability by the Administration. Recently, I visited the Kansas City, Missouri VA hospital to meet with officials and veterans. We discussed the local efforts in place to ensure that all our veterans are receiving quality care in a timely manner.

Last week I voted for the VA Management Accountability Act, which is a step in the right direction, but there is still more work to be done. Our veterans need more options, such as the ability to seek health care outside of the VA system, especially those who find themselves trapped on long waiting lists. The Inspector General released a report last week pinpointing 1,700 veterans who were waiting for a primary care appointment, yet hadn't been placed on the system's waiting list. This same report showed average wait times to be 115 days, a far cry from the VA's reported average of 24 days. It's clear there is still work to be done before this problem is resolved.

Restoring the Fourth Amendment

I enjoyed discussing my bill, H.R. 1852, the Email Privacy Act, with Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business Friday morning. The law governing email was written in 1986. Like most Americans, I didn't get my first email account until 1994, eight years after the ECPA law was first enacted. There is no question that technology has evolved since then and this law needs to be updated to reflect the advances in how Americans correspond electronically.

As it currently stands, entities such as the SEC, IRS, and other government agencies have the ability to access your email without a warrant. It is imperative that Congress pass reforms that extend the 4th Amendment beyond postal mail and paper documents to protect Americans' personal digital correspondence.

Bipartisan support for the Email Privacy Act continues to grow

I joined my ECPA cosponsor, Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO), to discuss email privacy at a Google Hangout on Wednesday evening. The Hangout was attended by people across the country to discuss the need for an updated ECPA law.

The bipartisan support for the Email Privacy Act, H.R. 1852, continues to grow as the bill now has 214 cosponsors, only four shy from having the support of the majority of Congress. This is one of the most fundamental privacy laws in our country. The government shouldn't have access to American's electronic communications without warrant.

Appropriations Committee Approves FY15 Agriculture Bill

The Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture debated and approved legislation that will fund our nation's agriculture programs for the upcoming fiscal year by a vote of 31-18 on Wednesday. As Vice Chair, I worked hard to ensure this bill does not increase unnecessary spending, however, maintains appropriate funding for vital agricultural and food programs, animal and plant health programs, rural development, farm services, and marketplace oversight.

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act passes

Early Thursday morning the House passed the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act by a vote of 321-87. The bill provides funding for the Department of Commerce, Department of Justice, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and other important agencies. I was pleased to vote for the legislation as it cuts spending. The bill spends $398 million less than last year and saves $250 million by eliminating 33 unnecessary programs.

Museum at Prairiefire Tour

I enjoyed a tour of the new Museum at Prairiefire in Overland Park on Tuesday. I was shown the museum and its surrounding facilities by Project Leader Fred Merrill and Executive Director Uli Sailer Das. This new community asset is home to world-class artifacts and provides a great opportunity to expand scientific learning for bright young students. Prairiefire is a great addition to Johnson County's economic and cultural development.

Tour Requests

Kansas State Representative Erin Davis and her family from Olathe stopped by my Washington, D.C. office last week. They enjoyed a tour of the United States Capitol and saw a series of votes on the House floor. If you are planning a trip to Washington, please visit my website to submit a tour request. My staff is happy to assist you in arranging various tours to ensure your trip to Washington is a memorable one.

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