[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 96 (Thursday, June 19, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H5507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             VA HEALTH CARE

  (Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the Senate voted 
last week to pass comprehensive legislation aimed at addressing the 
longstanding issues within the Department of Veterans Affairs' health 
care system. Now it is time for the Republican House leadership to 
bring a comprehensive package to the floor.
  With more than 8 million veterans turning to the VA for medical care 
each year, it is absolutely critical that we thoroughly address these 
issues in a timely fashion. That is why I commend Congresswoman 
Kirkpatrick for introducing companion legislation to the Sanders-McCain 
bill to improve the quality of care within the VA.
  Our veterans should not have to endure excessive long waits, tolerate 
canceled appointments, and question the quality of care they are 
receiving, nor should the persons reporting these activities be 
punished. The legislation would increase access to care while also 
improving on the quality of care, and it is something that we can act 
upon today.
  Mr. Speaker, our Nation will be judged by how we treat our veterans. 
I urge this Congress to act swiftly on comprehensive legislation so 
that we can bring real accountability--and some sanity--back to the VA.

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