Weekly Update: Champions of a Noble Cause
By Rob Wittman
May 20, 2018
"We remember those who were called upon to give all a person can give, and we remember those who were prepared to make that sacrifice if it were demanded of them in the line of duty, though it never was. Most of all, we remember the devotion and gallantry with which all of them ennobled their nation as they became champions of a noble cause." -- Ronald Reagan
Since the dawn of our nation, our Armed Forces have stood up and fought for our freedom; we sleep soundly because of their bravery. Our Veterans made great sacrifices for us on the battlefield and we owe them a debt of gratitude for that service. Nearly 800,000 call Virginia home, and I am committed to ensuring our veterans can access the benefits they've earned through their service to a grateful nation.
The mission of the Veteran’s Administration (VA) is, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s Veterans.” For far too long veteran care has suffered due to inefficiencies and mismanagement at the VA. I have continued working this Congress to return the VA to their mission so that we may keep our promise to provide for our Veterans.
This week, the House took an important step to rebuilding the VA so it can improve care, restore trust, and give our veterans the benefits they have earned. We passed the VA MISSION Act, which expands upon the current Veterans Choice Program. The Veterans Choice Program was put into place to allow veterans to utilize private medical providers when the nearest VA facility was too far away. This bill increases outside medical options, would establish a permanent community care program for veterans, and would modify how the VA utilizes private medical providers.
This bill increases choice and access to care at the VA and throughout our communities – including at walk-in clinics that may be more convenient and immediate in addressing the health needs of our veterans. If veterans are happy with the health care services at their local VA clinic, they should be able to continue seeing their doctors there. However, there is a flipside to this. Many First District veterans have had to travel long distances to reach a VA facility or are facing excessive wait times. These men and women should not be forced to stay inside a system that is not meeting their needs.
I am doing everything I can to make sure First District veterans are getting their questions answered as well. If you are a Veteran and are having problems with your benefits, please contact one of my district offices. In June, the Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Phil Roe will be joining me in Stafford to hear directly from First District veterans about their concerns and to provide an update regarding ongoing reform efforts in Congress.
We honor the warriors who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. It is up to us now to take care of those who stood willing to make that same sacrifice, as they are all “champions of a noble cause.”
