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By Rep. Dan Newhouse
As the representative of Central Washington in Washington, D.C., I have the honor of knowing the brave men and women who have defended our nation and protected the values that define our nation. Our veterans have served with courage and conviction, both abroad and here at home, where they continue to strengthen our communities. We have a duty rooted in gratitude, and principle, to ensure they receive the care, respect, and support they have earned.
From working to improve healthcare access, advocating for better benefits, or streamlining the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) records system, I have always believed we can and should be doing more for our veterans. While we have made great strides in recent years, my colleagues and I in Congress are working hard to try and repay the debt of gratitude we owe those who have served in our armed forces.
Access to benefits remains a real issue, and over 50,000 veterans are currently unable to receive both their full retirement pay and disability compensation due to an unfair offset in the law. Just last month, I joined Rep. Gus Bilirakis from Florida in leading the Major Richard Star Act to deliver compensation to all who have been discharged due to combat-related injuries and repeal these unjust compensation standards.
We are also working to give the VA the ability to improve their services internally by removing employees with records of misconduct who have historically been protected by bureaucracy. Toxic workforce cultures and poor management have led to a disaster in VA access, but I have joined House Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost—who met with veterans in my district last year—in leading the Restore VA Accountability Act to correct course on this issue and rebuild veterans’ trust in the VA’s ability to deliver benefits.
As the Department of Veterans Affairs builds out new and improved electronic health record systems across the country, my offices in the district and in D.C. remain a resource for those who have served. I encourage any Central Washington veteran to contact one of my district offices if they need help receiving their benefits, obtaining service records, or interfacing with the VA. It is an honor to serve Central Washington and the thousands of veterans that call it home, and I will continue to work in Congress to deliver the benefits they rightfully deserve. |
