On the recordApril 29, 2015
The Department of Veterans Affairs is entrusted with the protection of a multitude of historic facilities. As I noted last year during debate on the VA's budget, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has found serious deficiencies in the manner in which the VA operates these facilities. These VA facilities, especially the medical facilities, are more important than ever. We are seeing thousands of veterans returning home after fighting in conflicts abroad, many suffering from chronic service-related injuries. The last thing we want to do is to force these veterans to travel hundreds of miles to receive treatment, as is often the case in rural States like South Dakota. The health of these historic medical facilities is directly connected to our veterans' health, and this amendment would prohibit the VA from curtailing healthcare services at the historic facilities located in rural areas. I thank the chairman and his staff for all of their assistance on this amendment, and I urge everyone's support for this amendment as well.
