Susan Davis: “I rise today to ask this Congress to seriously consider the harmful impact the budget resolution could have on veterans…”

“I rise today to ask this Congress to seriously consider the harmful impact the budget resolution could have on veterans health care and other VA services. Already, thousands of veterans face waiting lists 6 months or longer to see a physician in a VA medical facility. All too often, veterans must seek treatment elsewhere simply because the VA does not have the resources to meet the need. With so many veterans living in San Diego, I see firsthand the difficulties they encounter. Just today, Petty Officer Al Kovach, a paralyzed veteran from Coronado, called my office to share his story. He was bedridden for more than a year due to a service-related injury. Once doctors realized he required surgery, it took 6 months for an operating room to become available. I have heard from hundreds of others who have experienced similar delays in the VA health care system. I do not see how, after the great sacrifices they have made, we can support a budget that cuts more than $25 billion in VA funding over the next several years. This astonishing amount will greatly reduce services and undoubtedly cause these waiting lists for health care to become even longer.”