Steve Daines, United States Senator for Montana
Veteran and
Military Update - Summer/Fall 2020
*
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*Visiting the Fort Harrison
VA Medical Center with Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie
and MT VA Healthcare System Director, Dr. Judy Hayman. *
**TOP STORY -
VETERANS AFFAIRS SECRETARY ROBERT WILKIE VISITS MONTANA **
On
September 28th, it was my honor to host U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs,
Robert Wilkie [link 1] in Helena [link 2] and Missoula [link 3],
where we met with Montana veterans and leaders within the VA Montana
Healthcare System.
During his visit, we discussed with Montana VA
Healthcare System Director Dr. Judy Hayman and her staff ways to improve timely
access to quality care through programs such as telehealth and care
in the community, attracting and maintaining a healthy workforce, and
the unique challenges posed by COVID-19.
We also discussed our
ongoing efforts to curb veteran suicide, including the passage of the CDR
John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which I
voted for in August and President Trump signed into law [link 4] on
October 17, 2020.
Thank you, Secretary Wilkie, and we look forward to
having you back in Montana soon!
*SUPPORTING THE MILITARY, VETERANS, AND
THEIR FAMILIES**
On September 12th, I spoke at the christening
[link 5] of the Navy's newest submarine: *USS MONTANA (SSN 794)* which
took place in Newport News, VA.
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*Click HERE [link
7] to view the Montana SSN 794 christening ceremony.*
This is the
first Navy vessel named after the Treasure State in over 100 years and
after launching this fall, the USS Montana will conduct a variety of
national security missions on and below the surface of the ocean
around the world.
On September 14th, I urged Secretary Wilkie to
investigate [link 8] a *data breach of VA health records *affecting up to
46,000 veterans nationwide.
At least 28 Montanans have been directly
affected by this cyber-attack thus far.
It is imperative that the VA hold
its leaders accountable and put additional measures in place to
protect our veterans' most sensitive information.
On October 8th, I
called for an investigation [link 9] into the conditions at the *Whitefish
Care and Rehabilitation Center*, and asked the Director of the Centers
for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to re-evaluate its suitability
to continue providing care to residents.
A recent outbreak of
COVID-19 at the facility claimed the lives of 13 Montanans--including several
veterans.
The VA relies upon the evaluations of CMS when making
funding decisions for long term care in the community.
On October 9th, I
wrote to the Director of the Montana VA Healthcare System, Dr. Judy
Hayman, of two recurring COVID-19 related concerns I have received from
constituents statewide: inadequate communication on *COVID-19 testing
results*, and the looming financial hardship imposed on our veterans
when *deferred copayments* come due in January 2021.
I urged Dr.
Hayman to take necessary measures to improve communication and reapportion
VA resources to better serve our veterans.
*REPRESENTING MONTANANS IN
WASHINGTON, D.C.**
On August 6th, I introduced *S.4511*, a
bipartisan benefits package [link 10] with Senator Jerry Moran to support
Montana veterans.
This package includes a version of my bill to protect
veterans and their families from pension poachers [link 11]. In
September it passed out of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and is now
one step closer to becoming law.
On September 17th, I introduced
*S.4608, the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act* with Senator Lee,
which would provide nationwide reciprocity for military spouses licensed
in their home state, who have been forced to relocate due to military
orders.
S.4608 is a national-level version of Montana's own HB105 and
is supported by the Montana Defense Alliance.
On September 29th, I
introduced *S.4746, the TRICARE Retired Protection Act*, to ensure
that Montana's 9,500 military retirees will not lose health care as a
result of new policy changes taking effect January 1st, 2021.
My bill
would provide a 12-month grace period to re-enroll under the new terms,
ensuring no retirees lose coverage.
Several leading veterans service
organizations have called on Congress to provide relief [link 12] to
veterans affected by these impending changes.
Best Wishes,
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Steve Daines
United States Senate
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Website:
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Contact Information:
Washington, D.C.
320 Hart Senate Office
Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
p: (202) 224-2651
Billings
222 N. 32nd Street, Ste. 100
Billings, MT 59101
p:
(406) 245-6822
Great Falls
104 4th Street North, Ste.
302
Great Falls, MT 59401
p: (406) 453-0148
Helena
30 West 14th Street, Ste. 206
Helena, MT 59601
p: (406)
443-3189
Bozeman
13 South Willson Avenue, Ste. 8
Bozeman,
MT 59715
p: (406) 587-3446
Missoula
218 East Front
Street, Ste. 103
Missoula, MT 59802
p: (406) 549-8198
Kalispell
40 2nd Street East, Suite 211
(KM Building)
Kalispell, MT 59901
p: (406) 257-3765
Sidney
609 S. Central
Ave., Suite #4
(Central Plaza Building)
Sidney, MT 59270
p:
(406) 482-9010
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