Hastings seeks better care for vets

Legislation passed unanimously in Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives unanimously approved a measure Thursday to make health care improvements for military veterans.

"Our men and women in uniform routinely risk their lives to protect ours," Congressman Doc Hastings, R-4th District, said. "Along with their families, they make many sacrifices in service to America. There is no question that they deserve the very best care that our nation can provide."

Under the Wounded Warriors Assistance Act, a toll-free hot line is provided to report inadequacies at military care facilities, creates support funds for the veteran and their families, creates a study to identify infrastructure needs, ensures proper training of medical professionals and all veterans receiving outpatient care are assigned a case manager and a patient advocate.

"Under Republican leadership, recent Congresses have increased spending per veteran, expanded concurrent receipt, written budgets that nearly doubled funding for veterans' health care and enhanced benefits for those returning to the war on terror," Hastings said.

Steps are taken to further medical care by changing the current process regarding whether or not a soldier will return to active duty, he added.

Wounded service members are allotted an opportunity to give input on whether retiring from service is necessary or not under the proposed legislation.

Hastings said there are unique challenges facing veterans in rural areas.

"My district in Central Washington state has one of the highest concentrations of rural veterans in the Northwest," he said. "Although I am working with (Veteran Affairs) to get a new outpatient clinic up and running in the Northern part of my district, access to care remains an issue of concern for me and my constituents who all too often are forced to drive hours and wait months for even the most basic care."

He is pleased there is bipartisan support for improving care to veterans and active duty soldiers.

"This is a common sense approach to get top-notch care to veterans without delay," he said. "I'm at a loss to understand why anyone would oppose this improvement to caring for our veterans."