[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 116 (Friday, September 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        STATEMENT FROM THE NEW YORK STATE CATHOLIC WAR VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SUE W. KELLY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 5, 1997

  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, the following was forwarded to me by Joseph 
R. Farina of New Windsor, who is the New York State chairman of the 
American-Catholic War Veterans. I am inserting his statement into the 
Congressional Record:

       I wish to compliment the Congressional members of this 
     committee (Congresswoman Kelly, Congressman Gilman, 
     Congressman Hinchey and Congressman Shays) for their sincere 
     concern and probing questions in extracting the truth from 
     those who are testifying at this hearing.
       The reduction of the Castle Point VA facility from a 
     hospital to an outpatient clinic has devastated the veterans 
     of the Hudson Valley who depend so much on the health care 
     supplied by this facility.
       The statements made by Mr. James Farsetta, Director of 
     Veterans Integrated Service Network 3, were very disturbing 
     to say the least.
       Farsetta, who at first denied that his reduction in 
     staffing and services were tied to cuts in spending, later 
     amended his statement confirming that he received an annual 
     bonus based in part on reductions in spending and direct 
     patient care to veterans. This entire incentive procedure 
     designed by the VA and implemented by Farsetta placed greed 
     of the almighty dollar at the expense of veterans who gave 
     the prime years of their lives in selfless devotion and pride 
     to their country.
       The bonus induced, costs cutting procedures implemented by 
     the VA has resulted in patient neglect, errors in treatment, 
     staff and service reductions, and failure to respond to 
     veterans concerns.
       I compliment Congresswoman Kelly for extracting the truth 
     from James Farsetta and having him admit to his bonus 
     arrangement.
       Congressman Christopher Shays had every right to read into 
     the Record a statement recognizing James Farsetta's 29 years 
     of devoted service to the VA. But, I take exception to his 
     statement. I condemn Farsetta's action in accepting a bonus 
     based on reduction in services and medical assistance to 
     veterans. A bonus which was earned at the expense of the 
     health of veterans who have already suffered so much hardship 
     and pain in their lifetime.
       All we ask if to stop hurting the veterans, we have been 
     hurt enough. Be a little considerate and let us go out with 
     some compassion and dignity.

     

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