[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 17, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H2070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE VETERANS TIMELY ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE ACT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Ross) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROSS. Yesterday, I had the distinguished opportunity to greet 
three busloads of Florida World War II veterans participating in an 
Honor Flight.
  In total, more than 80 proud Floridians who bravely fought to free 
the world of evil during World War II had the wonderful opportunity to 
visit and reflect at their memorial. As the son of a World War II 
veteran, I was blessed to have the opportunity to join my father as he 
participated in a previous Honor Flight just 2 years ago. Although he 
has since passed on, I know he truly cherished this great experience.
  American veterans are the backbone of the freedom and prosperity this 
country has enjoyed for over 200 years. Without their service, we would 
not be the Nation we are today. We would not enjoy the privileges of 
this democracy--the greatest experiment in government known to mankind. 
Unfortunately, veterans across the country continue to encounter 
unacceptable problems and delays in receiving appointments from the 
Veterans Administration for essential medical and specialty health care 
needs.
  That is why I am proud to introduce H.R. 241, the Veterans Timely 
Access to Health Care Act.
  This legislation, supported by the Military Officers Association of 
America, will ensure that veterans seeking medical care from the VA 
facility receive an appointment within 30 days. Moving forward, this 
legislation will go a long way in ensuring veterans' critical medical 
needs no longer slip through the cracks of the system.
  As I continue to reflect on the proud history and service of the many 
World War II veterans like my good friend Charlie Clark, with whom I 
visited yesterday and whom I had the pleasure of knowing for several 
years as a member of the local YMCA, I will also look forward to 
ensuring that our youngest generation of veterans receives the support 
and timely access to health care that they have so honorably earned.

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