On the recordJune 23, 2014
As the President looks for a new VA Secretary, it is imperative that we not let the veterans health care scandal distract from the ongoing efforts to resolve the VA benefits claims backlog. The VA has undertaken important reforms to streamline the process, such as electronic records and working to ensure that initial claims include all necessary information. These steps are helping to address the backlog; but as the scandal in the health care side of the VA continues to unfold and demand the attention of policymakers, we must remain focused on effective implementation of these and other benefits determination process reforms. Mr. Speaker, we are dutybound to do everything we can to ensure our veterans have timely access to the benefits they have earned. I am committed to ensuring timely access to these benefits, and we must ensure the incoming VA Secretary is committed as well. ____________________
