By Mitch McConnell
U.S. Senator (R-Ky.)
One of the greatest privileges I have as a U.S. Senator is representing nearly
300,000 veterans who call Kentucky home. Through their selfless service, America’s
veterans have earned our admiration and gratitude. They have also earned the right
to access medical care they deserve and were promised through the U.S. Department of
Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA is tasked with providing treatment and care to those
who put their lives on the line in defense of our nation, and it is our
responsibility to ensure that the VA fulfills its commitment.
Unfortunately, VA facilities throughout the country have been plagued by widespread
dysfunction. Veterans have suffered long wait times, limited options for care, and
unacceptable treatment. Our veterans deserve the timely and effective care they
were promised, and I am determined to continue working with my colleagues in
Congress and the Administration to improve accountability for those entrusted with
the care of our nation’s heroes.
On behalf of our nation’s veterans, the Senate passed the VA Accountability and
Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 to empower the Department to hold accountable
bad actors in its ranks. I am pleased that the House of Representatives has also
approved the measure, and President Trump has signed it into law. We made this
sensible approach a top priority, and I am proud that this bill will provide
additional tools in an effort to help address rampant problems in our VA system.
For too long, failing employees have damaged the entire VA health care system. Tax
dollars have been wasted, and, even worse, the health and safety of our veterans
have been compromised.
But now, this critical legislation will create a new office at the VA that will make
it easier to remove failing employees, including senior executives, who put their
own interests before those of our nation’s veterans. Under this legislation, the
President will have the authority to nominate the head of the office, with the
advice and consent of the Senate. Increasing accountability measures at the VA can
help to fix many of the Department’s problems.
The Trump Administration has also taken other steps to improve the care of our
veterans. Secretary David Shulkin, head of the VA, announced a new initiative to
integrate electronic medical records between the VA and the U.S. Department of
Defense. This change will help to maintain, protect, and safely share information
among health care providers. Together, the Republican Congress and the
Administration are working to keep our commitments to veterans.
I have spent my career advocating for our veterans. During my time in the Senate, I
have supported cost-of-living adjustments and numerous bills promoting better
medical care for veterans. Earlier this year, the Senate passed an extension of the
Veterans Choice program, which was designed to cut down on wait times and give
veterans the flexibility to access care outside of the VA system. This program,
originally enacted in 2014, was set to expire this year; however, because of its
success and popularity among veterans, members of both parties worked together to
extend the program.
I am proud of these recent accomplishments in the Republican-led Senate, but there
is still work to be done for Kentucky’s veterans. Keeping our commitment to
veterans should be an issue where we can all agree. I am grateful that the
Administration and my colleagues in Congress have joined with me to care for those
who sacrificed for our nation, and I look forward to continuing to work on their
behalf.