[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 31 (Thursday, March 11, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            VETERANS ACCESS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. C.L. ``BUTCH'' OTTER

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 11, 2004

  Mr. OTTER. Mr. Speaker, many veterans in the first district of Idaho, 
which I represent, live in rural areas where access to VA healthcare 
facilities is limited.
  In Idaho, access for many veterans is limited by geography; mountain 
ranges, rivers, and great distances. These veterans deserve better 
access to the health benefits they've earned by serving our country.
  While there are no easy solutions to these problems, I feel the VA 
has worked hard to provide veterans living in rural areas some 
opportunities to receive care.
  A number of programs including outpatient clinics, temporary clinics, 
and mobile care units have all helped to address the access problem in 
these areas.
  While these programs have shown some success, I believe there are 
other innovative ways we can address the access issue.
  One such way is limited outsourcing. I am a cosponsor of H.R. 3777, 
the HEALTHY Vets Act, which was introduced by my colleague Scott 
McInnis. This bill creates opportunities for Veterans in rural areas to 
access timely healthcare from doctors and hospitals in their 
communities.
  Many rural communities understand the value of their community 
doctors and hospitals. Rural healthcare is expensive, and these 
communities are fighting hard to maintain these resources. Allowing 
veterans access to community hospitals makes sense for our veterans and 
our communities.
  I have a deep appreciation for the men and women who have risked 
their lives for America's freedoms and feel our Nation should keep its 
promises to our veterans.
  Throughout our history our Nation has been forced to maintain our 
commitment to freedom, and likewise, we must continue our commitment to 
our Nation's veterans.

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