Political Quotes

“I rise in support of S. 2484, the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel Enhancement Act of 2004. There are now over 14,000 physicians and dentists who work in the VA health care system. Unfortunately, the pay system that the VA uses to pay our doctors has not been updated since 1991, and it is not helping the VA's efforts to recruit and retain high-quality providers for our veterans. The current system is very complex and does not offer the flexibility needed to respond to the changes of competitive markets, especially for the highest paid subspecialties. This legislation offers the VA the opportunity to award its physicians and dentists for tenure within the VA health care system, and even adds a performance pay section which acts as a bonus for those doctors who achieved specific goals and performance objectives outlined by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Thanks to the efforts of the Senate and House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, we will have legislation that will greatly enhance the VA's ability to recruit and retain high-quality physicians and dentists. I support this legislation, and I ask my colleagues to do the same.”