Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I rise today to highlight the Veteran's Health Equity Act, a bill I am introducing with my colleague from the Granite State, Senator Jeanne Shaheen. I am pleased to support this bipartisan legislation that addresses an issue of importance to our Nation's heroic military veterans, especially in my home State of New Hampshire.

As a military spouse, I personally understand the commitment and sacrifice required of our service members and their families, and I am fully committed to ensuring that our heroes have access to the support and care they have earned. The bill we are introducing would level the playing field for veterans by requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to guarantee that veterans in every State have access to hospital care within their borders. As it stands now, New Hampshire is the only state in the nation without a full-service VA hospital or military hospital providing equivalent care to veterans. Specifically, the Veteran's Health Equity Act would require the VA to either provide a full-service VA hospital in every State or contract with civilian hospitals to provide veterans with a comparable level of care.

While some States, like Alaska and Hawaii, rely on large military medical facilities to compensate for gaps in VA medical care, New Hampshire lacks the military medical facilities to compensate for a lack of a full-service VA hospital. Yet, New Hampshire has one of the highest rates of veterans per capita in the country. New Hampshire veterans must travel out of State to Maine, Massachusetts, or Vermont to access certain kinds of specialty care. Elderly veterans are often bused by volunteers during the treacherous winter months to an out of state service provider only to have their appointment canceled. Simply put, the lack of a full-service VA hospital in New Hampshire is unacceptable and our veterans deserve better.

As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will continue to press for a full-service VA hospital in New Hampshire and explore all legislative remedies to ensure that our New Hampshire veterans receive the care they deserve. My 95 year old grandfather, John Sullivan, a World War II veteran, and veterans like him who have selflessly served our country, have earned high-quality medical care that is commensurate with their courageous service. We must honor our commitments to America's brave veterans. The Veteran's Health Equity Act will help ensure every veteran in the United States can access quality medical care without having to travel to another State.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source