CVA Urges Senate Action: GAO Intervention
Arlington, Va. – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) today released an audit showing that a total of more than 100,000 veterans are “experiencing long wait times” for healthcare at VA facilities.
The 100,000 breaks down into two groups: More than 57,000 veterans have been waiting 90 days or more for an initial appointment, and almost 64,000 other are simply waiting to get an appointment scheduled.
Pete Hegseth, CEO of CVA, issued the following statement in reaction to the audit:
“The fact that 100,000 veterans are waiting to simply get an appointment at a VA facility is outrageous and unacceptable, and it’s ‘exhibit A’ showing why last week’s legislative deal crafted by Senators McCain and Sanders—which is still being fleshed out—is only a first step in what is going to be a long mission to reform the VA.
“CVA urges the Senate and President Obama to act swiftly so that veterans waiting can receive the medical care they’ve earned—either at VA or at a private facility. The new McCain-Sanders legislation would release a great many of these veterans from the bureaucratic trap of VA healthcare, allowing them to promptly seek private healthcare. The bill would also allow the VA Secretary to finally fire failing managers—something the VA simply cannot do because of bureaucratic red tape. The Senate needs to move on this commonsense, bi-partisan legislation immediately.
“Additionally, the VA has a long way to go before it will have much credibility on its internal reform effort, and we urge the Government Accountability Office to double-check these numbers as well.”
To schedule a TV interview with Pete Hegseth, CEO of CVA, or other CVA experts, please email booking@guestbooker.com.
For other media inquiries, contact Emily Laird at 571.302.0973 or email elaird@cv4a.org.
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Concerned Veterans for America is a non-partisan, non-profit, 501(c)(4) organization that advocates for policies that will preserve the freedom and liberty we and our families so proudly fought and sacrificed to defend.