Lee Terry: “This bill is a necessary repair for our vets' damage that was caused by VA workers who were willing to allow veterans to…”

“This bill is a necessary repair for our vets' damage that was caused by VA workers who were willing to allow veterans to die by denying them care, ostensibly to receive a bonus. Leave no doubt that this is a patch and that the VA requires a complete overhaul. For example, 7 years ago, the VA hospital in Omaha was deemed to be in such poor condition it needed to be replaced ASAP. It was put on the official list, and in those 7 years since, the project has actually fallen down the list, as few projects have been completed. The VA is just not able to manage major projects. The entire Nebraska delegation wrote then-Secretary Shinseki over a year ago to meet and discuss the lack of progress and possible alternatives, but he refused to meet with our delegation, even after repeated requests. This is evidence of total dysfunction of this VA in Washington, D.C. My hope is that the new VA Secretary will be more accommodating to listen to the Nebraska delegation whose sole goal is simply to help our veterans receive the appropriate care in a building that meets at least today's standards.”