Dec 13, 2015
We are not proud of the fact that this whole thing really was ignited by what happened at the Phoenix VA.
John McCain
The Public Record
John McCain was a prominent American politician and military officer who served as a United States Senator from Arizona from 1987 until his death in 2018. A member of the Republican Party, McCain was known for his bipartisan approach and commitment to national security. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he was a prisoner of war for over five years, an experience that shaped his political career and views on military and foreign policy.
congress.gov
Dec 13, 2015
The Phoenix VA line is roughly double that of the national average. That, obviously, is very disturbing to anyone who represents the State of Arizona.
Dec 13, 2015
There is nothing worse--nothing worse--whether it is a Vietnam vet or a vet from Iraq or Afghanistan, coming back experiencing depression and despair and having nowhere to go.
Dec 13, 2015
The number 1 cosponsor of that bill in Congress, which passed unanimously, was Senator McCain.
Dec 13, 2015
I just want to repeat again, Dr. Shulkin, you have been, I believe, admirably involved with Members of Congress in communicating with us and being frank in your assessments.
Dec 13, 2015
Well, I thank you, but I would remind you what you know, and that is the Senior Executive Service is a unique situation, as opposed to your average civil servant.
Dec 13, 2015
Mr. McIntyre, the fact that there were only 2,000 at the start is because they did not know about it.
Dec 13, 2015
I think the prospect of veterans waiting over 30 days, no matter what their medical need, is not acceptable.
Dec 13, 2015
It seems to me, then, from what you are saying, that wait times will not go down anytime soon. That is an urgent call to make the Choice card universal.
Dec 13, 2015
I believe that you are working very hard, and I also appreciate your efforts to improve our communication and relations with Members of Congress, including the Veterans' Affairs Committee.
Dec 13, 2015
The Choice Act does provide the Secretary of the VA with significant authority to remove officials who have underperformed
Dec 13, 2015
If there is one issue I would like for us to continue, which you and I and Senator Flake have had numerous conversations with Chairman Isakson, is to make the Choice card completely available.
Dec 13, 2015
I think fundamental changes still have to be made in order to allow these dedicated men and women who are working at the VA to exercise their full capabilities.
Dec 13, 2015
We are deeply concerned, or we would not be having these hearings, we would not be passing legislation to try to fix it.
Dec 13, 2015
I negotiated with Senator Sanders for the VA reform legislation that was passed overwhelmingly by both houses of Congress.
Dec 13, 2015
He is examining many things, including how veterans are using and in some cases how the VA is not helping the use of the VA Choice card.
Dec 13, 2015
Veterans of this country are fortunate to have Senator Sullivan advocating on their behalf.
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