Letter to the Honorable Robert A. Mcdonald - Veterans Affairs Security

Letter

Dear Secretary McDonald:

Congratulations on your appointment. Your business acumen and military background are greatly appreciated as we work together for positive change. I commend your willingness to serve as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Your commitment and service to our country and our veterans is sincerely appreciated. I am writing you to bring several critical issues to your attention that affect the VA Montana Health Care System.

First, I would like to thank you for your recent appointment of Johnny Ginnity as the permanent director for VA Montana. The position had been vacant for over seven months which caused uncertainty and delay in important reforms and policies affecting the quality of health care for our honored veterans in Montana. This has affected employee morale and made it difficult to retain employees. The fluid workforce has led to a severe shortage in trained psychiatrists and therapists within VA Montana. In a state where the veteran suicide rate is high, the lack of care in this critical area has been unacceptable. It is my sincere hope that Director Ginnity can provide the leadership necessary to correct the course and speed of the Montana VA.

On a recent tour of the Ft. Harrison facility in Helena, it was identified that a top priority for the hospital is fixing the lack of space. In some cases, VA employees are using restrooms to conduct interviews and examinations to ensure privacy. During my tour, several historical homes on the campus were identified as innovative solutions to the challenge in available space. Rather than building a new facility that is costly and years away, these vacant homes are a possible solution. However, red tape and bureaucracy are preventing common sense solutions.

Lastly, I would like to bring to your attention the request for conditional funding to build the SW Montana Veterans Home in Butte, Montana. For the past two legislative sessions, the State of Montana has appropriated their portion of the funding for this important project, yet it remains delayed in Washington. Although listed as a "Priority 1" project, I am concerned that the project's low rating on the VA list will keep it from ever being funded. As with every government agency, I believe there are wasteful programs that could be sacrificed in order to deliver the quality care our veterans deserve. Montana is the fourth largest state by landmass, but more importantly ranks second in the nation for veterans per capita. The two existing veteran's homes in Montana are located roughly 250 (Columbia Falls) and 450 (Glendive) miles away from Butte. To force our veterans to be hours away from their families is a hardship that does not honor the sacrifices that our veterans have made.

There is a good deal of work to be done and I look forward to working with you to deliver the promises made to the men and women who have served our country with distinction. Thank you for your prompt consideration on these important issues.

Sincerely,

Ryan Zinke

Member of Congress

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