Veteran and Military Update - Summer/Fall 2020  

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 28^th, it was my honor to host U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Robert Wilkie in Helena and Missoula, 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 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 12^th, I spoke at the christening of the Navy’s newest submarine: USS MONTANA (SSN 794) which took place in Newport News, VA.

Click HERE 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 14^th, I urged Secretary Wilkie to investigate 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 8^th, I called for an investigation 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 9^th, 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 6^th, I introduced S.4511, a bipartisan benefits package 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. In September it passed out of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and is now one step closer to becoming law.

• On September 17^th, 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 29^th, 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 to veterans affected by these impending changes.