[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 19, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4391]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 FIGHTING FOR OUR VETERANS' HEALTHCARE

  (Mr. HARDER of California asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today beyond 
frustrated by the crisis in veterans' healthcare in my community. Right 
now, we have just four physicians and only two mental health clinicians 
trying to provide care for over 27,000 veterans in San Joaquin County.
  Veterans are waiting up to 90 days to even speak to a doctor or get 
something as simple as a prescription refilled. That is the longest 
wait time in the State of California and, frankly, it is a disgrace. 
One of our veterans recently had to have his leg amputated because he 
couldn't see a doctor to get his diabetes medication refilled. That is 
unacceptable.
  I know our local VA staff are doing everything they can, but right 
now we need Secretary McDonough to step in and help. We need more 
doctors, and we need them now. I have petitions right here in my hand 
from veterans across our community begging for a response and an action 
plan from the Secretary and the VA. We need answers.
  These brave men and women fought and sacrificed for our country, the 
last thing they need to do is fight for their healthcare right now. It 
is time to fix this.

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