Walberg Requests Better Oversight and Fundamental Reform of VA Medical Care System in Letter to President Bush

WALBERG REQUESTS BETTER OVERSIGHT AND FUNDAMENTAL REFORM OF VA MEDICAL CARE SYSTEM IN LETTER TO PRESIDENT BUSH

U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) today sent a letter to President George W. Bush that expresses concern with the conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and requests a briefing from Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson on plans to upgrade the VA hospital system and outpatient clinics.

The letter was signed by 12 other Members of Congress.

Here are two excerpts from the letter:

"Clearly better oversight is necessary to ensure military facilities exemplify our soldiers' honor and courage. We look forward to the bipartisan commission's full report and the actions your administration will take."

"We also strongly support the need for fundamental reform of the VA's medical care system. Despite the outstanding efforts of many dedicated healthcare providers, too many VA hospitals and the system of care within which they exist are case studies in bureaucratic inefficiency. Many of those treated for war-related injuries have, with their families, endured a great deal of paperwork and red-tape delays. This, too, is unacceptable, and going forward we must ensure world-class standards and patient-centered efficiency for our veterans."

http://walberg.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=60032