Bilirakis Kicks Off 2016 Working To Improve the VA

The House Veterans' Affairs Committee today continued efforts to address issues at the VA. The committee held a hearing entitled "1988 to 2016: VETSNET to VBMS; Billions Spent, Backlog Grinds On" to further address the significant backlog issues our nation's Veterans are facing at the VA.

"With the recent report of substantial backlog issues at our local St. Petersburg VA office, this hearing could not be more timely," said Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). "I am deeply disappointed with the continued reports on issues at the VA. Veterans in my district are waiting over 100 days to hear back from local VA offices. This is simply unacceptable."

A report released earlier this month detailed the backlogs at the St. Petersburg VA Office. Thousands of Veterans' requests are still pending review, leaving Veterans waiting for long periods of time.

Congressman Bilirakis questioned the panel on these issues:

Rep. Gus Bilirkais: "In the CACI scanning facility, would you say that VA staff followed VBA's Shipping Standard Operating Procedure on Veterans Intake Program regulations?"

Brent Arronte, Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Audits and Evaluations: "I don't think that was followed. I guess if I found 100 pieces of mail. I can say maybe that was a mistake or somebody didn't manage that properly. But 18,000 pieces of mail!? I don't know if there was ANY procedures being followed. I just don't know how that much mail accumulates."

"Our work this year is, once again, cut out for us," added Bilirakis. "I am committed to doing all that I can to ensure that the VA improves efficiency and provides quality, timely care for Veterans in my home state and communities across the nation. We must support our true American heroes who have long supported our nation."

Learn more about the work Congressman Bilirakis is doing to help Veterans here.