Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023

Floor Speech

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Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the en bloc package, which includes my amendment to increase funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs' electronic records system.

One of the most insistent casework requests I receive is from veterans who are unable to receive care due to the Department's records request backlog. I have raised with the Department individual cases, and I have also been working with local veterans service organizations to advocate on behalf of their members. Yet, it still takes anywhere from 6 to 8 months to get anything back from the archives. That is not acceptable.

Digitizing veterans' records will expedite their requests and improve their experience.

I know first-hand what veterans experience while on Active Duty. It is our responsibility to ensure that they have access to the high- quality care and services promised to them when they swore an oath to protect and serve our country.

Mr. Chair, I urge support for my amendment.

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