[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 16 (Tuesday, February 6, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E114]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCED LEGISLATION THAT WILL IMPROVE VETERAN'S HEALTHCARE

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                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2001

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced a bill that will improve 
veterans healthcare.
  I speak with veterans in the Second District of Tennessee on a 
regular basis, and I have heard time and time again of their 
frustration with scheduling an appointment at a Veterans Administration 
Clinic. Many times, people have to wait weeks and months just to see a 
doctor.
  Mr. Speaker, this is not fair, and it is not right. Those who have 
laid their lives on the line for America deserve the utmost respect and 
assistance. They should not have to wait weeks and even months to be 
treated for a health problem.
  When our Nation's veterans signed up to serve in the military, they 
were promised that they would be taken care of when they retired. We 
have a responsibility to live up to that promise, and to provide 
veterans with good healthcare.
  Under this legislation, if a veteran tried to get a doctor's 
appointment at a Veterans' Clinic and had to wait longer than six 
months, the VA would be required to provide healthcare outside of the 
VA Clinics.
  I am sure all veterans would agree that something needs to be done to 
improve their access to healthcare at Veterans' Clinics, and I am 
hopeful that this bill will be a step in the right direction.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill and improve healthcare for 
the loyal and committed veterans of our Nation.

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