Congressman Ken Calvert and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost have issued a joint statement addressing issues faced by veterans in accessing healthcare. The statement follows a Veteran Service Organization Roundtable held earlier this month in California's 41st Congressional District.
During the meeting at the Palm Springs Air Museum on October 16, local veterans and Veteran Service Organizations highlighted problems such as referral delays, inefficiencies at the Loma Linda VA, and a lack of accountability among senior VA leaders. These discussions emphasized the need for reforms to ensure accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Calvert and Bost are advocating for H.R. 2478, known as the Restore VA Accountability Act, which aims to enforce accountability across the VA system nationwide. They noted that reliable transportation is another significant issue in the region, causing logistical challenges for veterans seeking healthcare.
The joint statement reads: “Listening to veterans share their struggles with referral delays and inefficiencies at the Loma Linda VA, and the lack of accountability among senior VA leaders underscored the urgent need for veteran-centered reforms to hold failing leaders accountable."
The congressmen emphasized their commitment to legislation that would hold all VA employees accountable to prevent any barriers from hindering veterans' access to timely and quality care.
“Together, we are fighting to create a health care system that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and respect for those who have served our country," they stated. "Veterans gave their all for this nation, and it is our duty to honor that sacrifice by building a system that meets their needs no matter what.”