Legislation proposed by Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Wash., to address delayed care for Southwest Washington veterans was approved by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.
The legislation would require Veterans Affairs to investigate the steps and costs of its lengthy hiring process that, along with staff vacancies, has delayed care for veterans.
“It’s my job to make sure the men and women who have sacrificed to serve and defend our country receive the care they’ve earned,” said Herrera Beutler. “We continue to see major holes in the VA system — particularly with hiring and retaining staff that provide care.”
At the Vancouver VA, only 11 of its 16 physician positions are filled. The staff shortage contributes to more than 10 percent of veterans having to wait 30 or more days for appointments, according to a press release, which is three times the national average.
“The VA insists they are correcting these problems, but it’s happening too slowly for Southwest Washington veterans who need quality medical care,” Herrera Beutler said. “It’s important that Congress advances these accountability measures I’ve authored to give the VA more tools to provide better services to our military heroes.”
Last year, The Associated Press reported that delays at Walla Walla, Vancouver and Chehalis VA offices were all higher than the national average.
