Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

Floor Speech

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Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Chairwoman, I thank Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz and Ranking Member Carter for their work on this legislation.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of en bloc package 1, which includes my amendment to H.R. 3055 to help address critical staffing shortages at the VA.

Madam Chair, we in Congress have no higher obligation than to care for our veterans who had our backs, and that starts with making sure they have the resources they need when they come home.

The number of unfilled positions at the VA has grown steadily, and currently it is nearly at 49,000 across the entire VA system.

Madam Chair, 49,000 vacancies is a huge problem that we must tackle. One constituent in my district, an 89-year-old, has been waiting on the adjudication of his appeal to the VA for more than a year. That is absurd. When we called the VA to inquire, we were told: ``This is just how long it takes.''

Madam Chair, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies looked closely at this issue and stated that the committee is concerned that the significant number of vacancies will lead to longer waits for veterans going without service.

I agree. We must address this problem and address it quickly. Our veterans don't have time for longer waits for doctor appointments, mental health crises, housing assistance, and so much more.

Our veterans deserve better, and I am proud to offer this amendment.

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Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Madam Chair, I thank Chairwoman Wasserman Schultz and Ranking Member Carter for their work on this legislation and leadership.

Madam Chair, I rise in support of amendments en bloc No. 6, which includes my amendment to H.R. 3055 to increase our investment in the Veterans Health Administration for the purpose of hiring more mental health professionals.

Madam Chair, we in Congress have no higher obligation than to care for our veterans.

According to the inspector general for the VA, mental health professionals are the most needed occupation at the VA. Many of those in the veterans community are suffering from mental health conditions with so many of them, unfortunately, suffering in silence. Less than half of all returning veterans in need receive the mental health treatment that they deserve and need, and that is unacceptable.

We have seen an increased incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and depression from our veterans coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan. My office has worked with a number of veterans who are suffering from PTSD to make sure they get access to the care they have earned.

An average of 20 veterans die by suicide every day. In New Jersey, my home State, the rate of suicide in the veterans community is almost double that of the rest of the population. This is shameful.

Madam Chairwoman, surely we can all come together as a body to support this most pressing and urgent need. My amendment will help do that, and I am proud to offer it.

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