Costello, Titus Lead Bipartisan Letter Calling For A Review Of Services For Female Veterans

Press Release

Congressman Ryan Costello (R-PA) and Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV) of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs led a letter to Richard Griffin, Deputy Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, requesting a review of VA and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) policies to better identify the needs of female veterans.

Female veterans represent 10% of the population served by the VA, and that figure is expected to grow significantly. According to the Disabled American Veterans' recent report, "Women Veterans: The Long Journey Home," 20% of new recruits are female, along with 14.5% of the active duty component and 18% of the reserve components. Close to 200,000 women have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet recent reports indicate that the VA drastically underserves our female veterans.

"With each year, the number of female veterans returning home increases," said Congressman Ryan Costello. "As a result, we need to honor our commitment to them and ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs is able to provide them with the appropriate care they deserve. That's why I'm pleased to join Congresswoman Titus in this effort to call on the office of the VA Inspector General to review existing policies, practices, and procedures at the VA to ensure we're doing all we can to meet the needs of female veterans. I look forward to working with Congresswoman Titus, Chairman Miller, and the rest of my colleagues on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee to address this important issue."

"Female veterans, like all veterans, deserve access to quality healthcare," said Congresswoman Titus, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs. "Unfortunately, recent reports have highlighted chronic problems that are compromising this care, including a lack of women's health providers, problems with the coordination of care, and inappropriate treatment. With the percentage of women veterans seeking care from the VA likely to increase, it is imperative that the VA modernize its services to adapt to the unique needs of our nation's female heroes. I look forward to receiving the results of the Inspector General's review, and working with my colleagues on the committee to ensure our female veterans receive the care and support they earned through their service to our country."

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