Bilirakis Statement on Passing of U.S. Veteran

Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) released the following statement regarding the recent passing of U.S. Veteran Barry Coates:

"Yesterday, U.S. Veteran Barry Coates passed away as a direct result of excessive delays waiting for medical care within the V.A. In June 2014, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Coates as he testified during our committee hearing. Mr. Coates was dedicated to ensuring no other Veteran suffered as he did. He provided courageous and important testimony during our oversight hearing regarding allegations of preventable deaths and reports unveiled by Government Accountability Office and the Inspector General investigations:

Despite additional funding, staffing, and authority, the backlog remains, and more Veterans continue to wait. Last year, Congress enacted the Veterans Access, Choice & Accountability Act to address the VA's failures and meet the needs of Veterans. However, more needs to be done to bring efficient, quality care for our Veterans and real accountability within the VA.

The Coates' family will be in my thoughts and prayers during their time of mourning. As Vice-Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I will continue to honor Barry's memory by ensuring no more Veterans will ever have to wait for the care they have earned and deserve."