[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5447]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR VETERANS ACT

  (Mrs. ROBY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. ROBY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Protection and 
Advocacy for Veterans Act. This bill will engage our protection and 
advocacy agencies to ensure veterans are receiving the mental health 
care and substance abuse treatment they deserve.
  Increased demand from veterans returning from war, a national 
shortage of mental health professionals, and a prescription drug abuse 
epidemic have made it difficult for the VA to keep pace with the 
growing need in these areas.
  Mr. Speaker, progress is being made, but I believe we can do better. 
I also believe that we owe it to our veterans to look beyond the 
traditional means and bring all available resources to bear in ensuring 
access to proper care for mental health and substance abuse treatment.
  For 40 years, protection and advocacy agencies have monitored the 
quality of care in State-operated hospitals, psychiatric wards, and 
other facilities. They have the authority to inspect medical records, 
make recommendations to providers, and, when necessary, take legal 
action on behalf of patients. I believe bringing this high degree of 
patient advocacy expertise to the VA can greatly benefit our veterans.

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