06.02.10 | Scott Statement on Hampton V.A. Tour

HAMPTON, VA – Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott issued the following statement after touring the Hampton Veterans Medical Center this morning:

"I appreciate Director Seekins and the staff of the Hampton V.A. Medical Center for providing me the opportunity to visit with and thank our veterans for their service to our nation. I saw firsthand that the doctors and nurses here are truly committed to providing the best care possible to our veterans.

"Over the last three years, Congress has approved landmark budget increases to the V.A. – providing an additional $23 billion to help our veterans receive health care and other benefits that they deserve and have earned with their service to our nation. Much of the funding increase expanded mental health services, increased access to dialysis, and improved physician recruitment.

"In addition to increases in annual appropriations funding for the V.A., the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included $1.4 billion for medical facility upgrades. There are currently four constructions projects at the Hampton V.A. that were made possible by the Recovery Act. These include expanding the Spinal Cord Injury Center and other facility upgrades. Today's tour allowed me to see firsthand how these Recovery Act funds have created jobs and are being used to improve veterans' health care.

"I am pleased to see that the Hampton V.A. is making tremendous strides to ensure that any veteran that enters this hospital receives optimal care, and I commend them for their dedication to this effort. However, my office stands ready to assist any veteran that encounters any difficulties in accessing the care that they deserve."

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