[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 61 (Thursday, April 26, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H2143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 VA COMMUNITY-BASED OUTPATIENT CLINICS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Louisiana (Mr. Boustany) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, I recently received the first monthly 
update from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs since the announced 
delays associated with the Lafayette and Lake Charles VA Community-
based Outpatient Clinics. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki's office followed 
through on my request for detailed monthly updates of the progress the 
VA is making with regard to these clinics in both Lafayette and Lake 
Charles. The errors in the contracting process were solely the VA's 
fault, and they've admitted it. I will remain vigilant in overseeing 
the expedited process to deliver south Louisiana veterans the local 
care they need and deserve.
  I am pleased to announce that there are new and much-needed services 
for veterans coming to Lafayette in early May. These services include 
home-based primary care, imaging and x ray services, prosthetics and 
dental care. For the veterans in Lake Charles, a mobile clinic 
providing primary care services is expected to begin June 4, and the 
selection of a location is under way. This will be a first for our 
veterans in Lake Charles who have had to travel far to get basic care. 
According to the VA officials, the Veterans Affairs' clinic primary 
care services will be available in Lake Charles 3 days per week also 
beginning June 4. Women's services will be provided 1 day per week in 
Lake Charles beginning then as well.
  We need to do more, and we're going to do more. These are all very 
important services the veterans of south Louisiana deserve after 
sacrificing so much for our country. They should not have to wait any 
longer for this very much needed medical care. Expediting this process 
must remain a top priority for the VA.
  Having cared for veterans in the VA system during my medical career, 
I know localized, personalized outpatient facilities and care are best 
for our veterans. This is a critical priority for our area. This is the 
least we can do for those who have fought on behalf of our country, and 
I am committed to ensuring that this unnecessary VA mistake does not 
repeat itself in the future. I will continue demanding accountability 
from the VA leadership on this and on other issues. I will continue to 
be the leading advocate for local veterans as we work to improve health 
care for our veterans in Lafayette and Lake Charles and in the 
surrounding communities of south Louisiana.
  God bless those who have served our country. God bless America.

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