Holding the VA Accountable

Time and time again, when our nation is in need, Montanans answer the call of duty.

We are all grateful for our veterans’ service to our nation, but just saying “thank you” is not enough.

Vietnam veterans are entering their retirement years and a younger generation of veterans is coping with the unseen wounds of a decade of war.

This combined with a strain of resources and a bureaucratic health care process at the VA has caused increased wait times that are unacceptable.

I’ve heard from veterans here in Valley County and all across Montana who are struggling to access timely care, and that’s unacceptable.

As Montana’s only member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, last year I wrote and helped pass several bills to improve care and make sure we’re living up to the promises we made to our veterans and their families.

I introduced my DOCS for Veterans Act that will recruit more health professionals to address the staffing shortages that have plagued the VA. Glasgow is the prime example of a facility that hasn’t had a doctor in a long time and we need to fill this position.

I also fought for increased funding at the VA so they can better handle the increasing demand for care. And you have my word that I will be scrutinizing how every dollar is spent because we can’t afford to make these investments without knowing that they are producing results for the courageous service members who have earned it.

Additionally, I passed a bill improving the Choice Program redefining the 40-mile rule so it measures distance from a VA medical facility that can provide the specific care sought by the veteran, as opposed to distance from any VA facility. And I’ve eliminated the time restrictions on follow-up care that were originally included in the Choice Program so patients seeking follow-up care are not cut off after a certain number of appointments.

The Choice program had a rocky rollout no doubt and it’s forcing veterans to jump over unnecessary hurdles to get care, and we’ve got to fix that. But allowing veterans to access health care closer to home is a good idea and we need to make it work.

I will continue working to improve Choice and cut the red tape at the VA to make sure veterans aren’t standing in line for appointments.

This year I’m continuing to hold the VA accountable by increasing protections for VA whistleblowers who report issues that are blocking veterans from seeking timely care. I’m also spearheading the effort to confirm a permanent Inspector General at the VA, a position that provides independent audits to make sure the VA is fulfilling its mission.

Since my first day in the Senate I have been committed to Montana veterans, and today I still can’t think of anything more important than living up to the commitment that this nation makes to those who serve.

Jon Tester is the senior United States Senator from Montana