[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THANKING ACTING VA SECRETARY HERSHEL GOBER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RUBEN HINOJOSA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say thank you to Acting VA 
Secretary Hershel Gober, who has worked closely with me these past 10 
months to make the dream of easier access to health care for veterans 
in south Texas become a reality. When I took office back in January, 
one anxiety I heard voiced time and time again was that veterans in the 
south Texas/Rio Grande Valley area felt the services they received were 
less than adequate, and also the distances they had to travel to 
receive quality care were far too great. At that time I pledged to 
ensure that the level of care afforded veterans in our communities is 
second to none. To see what could be done I met with the Acting 
Secretary. He heard my concerns. He looked at our needs. He took 
action.
  The result: In 1998 the veterans of the 15th District of Texas can 
expect to begin receiving significantly improved and expanded health 
care services. The counties of Bee (Beeville), Jim Wells (Alice), and 
Kleberg (Kingsville), have all been approved as future sites for 
primary care community-based outpatient clinics. Equally as important, 
a plan has also been developed, which will lead to expanded inpatient 
services. This pilot program will establish a process for the 
contracting of routine, nonurgent, nonspecialty inpatient care for 
stays for 3 days or less.
  This is, indeed, a satisfying resolution. To say the least, I am 
elated.
  It is because of the assistance and guidance of Secretary Gober that 
we will be able to implement innovative programs that provide much 
needed assistance to countless men and women who have protected our 
freedoms and who have made our Nation the great country it is. What the 
Secretary's efforts mean is that there will be real, effective changes 
for the veterans of south Texas. This is an example of what can be 
accomplished when everyone joins together and channels their energy 
toward a common goal.
  Mr. Secretary, I could certainly never have done this alone. I want 
to sincerely thank you for sharing my vision.

                          ____________________