Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, the purpose of my amendment is to call attention to the shortage of VA mental health and substance use disorder facilities. For example, veterans in my home State of Maine must travel hundreds of miles out of State to access long-term treatment facilities. That is just unacceptable. A proposed residential unit at the Togus VA hospital in Maine would provide treatment beds to 24 veterans. But until VA approves this new construction project, veterans in Maine have few options. VA needs to ensure long-term inpatient mental healthcare and substance use disorder services are provided as close to each veteran's home as possible. That is why I am proud to have worked with you, Madam Chair, to secure $20 million above the budget request in the MILCON-VA bill for medical facilities. I thank the gentlewoman for her strong leadership on this and also other critically important issues for our Nation's veterans. In addition to the extra funding, the bill directs VA to prioritize construction that expands access to overnight bed space for veterans seeking mental healthcare. Moving forward, I ask that the committee continue to push VA for answers on progress toward boosting inpatient capacity, prioritizing construction for these lifesaving services.”