Media
Latest News
"The VA has systemic failures that promote a culture of mediocrity and discourage transparency and accountability, which has resulted in a backlog of Veterans' claims coupled with excessive and outrageous wait times to receive care," Bilirakis said. "Part of this stems from the VA's inability to provide timely access to quality care for veterans.
On Friday, April, 18, the Obama Administration elected to "indefinitely delay" a decision to approve or deny a permit to build the Keystone pipeline until at least after the 2014 elections, further withholding the prospect of more than 40,000 jobs and $2.1 billion in earnings.
As a member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, I participate in hearings and briefings on a regular basis about all aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), better known as Obamacare. It seems that each week, Obamacare brings more bad news, from cancelled plans and rising health care costs to limiting options for doctors and medications.
"The federal government can adopt policies that create an environment in which private industry can succeed, and health care is no exception. Through the proper economic incentives, Congress can boost investment in areas that lack effective and accessible treatments," Bilirakis said.
"The wait times Veterans are forced to deal with are beyond unacceptable. It is an outrage," said Bilirakis. "These brave women and men served courageously and some suffered mental and physical wounds for the freedoms we all enjoy every day. They deserve proper care for that sacrifice," Bilirakis said.
"The excessive wait times at the VA are outrageous, and Veterans deserve an alternative when they are subjected to an unreasonable delay in access to care. This is about providing the Veteran with choice. This bill provides deserving heroes with that choice, if the VA doesn't meet the standards for timely access to care.
"I have spent the past several months participating in oversight hearings in Washington regarding the failures of the VA throughout the country. Having spent a great deal of time at facilities in our community over the last several years, I know that there are many wonderful public servants working at our local VA offices.
"The Obama Administration's proposed greenhouse gas regulation for existing fossil fuel power plants, particularly coal-generated plants, not only threatens our fragile economy and our energy independence, but promises to make it harder for Americans to make ends meet. When it comes to regulations, there must be an appropriate balance between necessity and burden.
"I have spent the past several months participating in oversight hearings in Washington regarding the failures of the VA throughout the country. Having spent a great deal of time at facilities in our community over the last several years, I know that there are many wonderful public servants working at our local VA offices.
"Secretary Shinseki has honorably served this nation, but given the recent revelations about the VA's lack of care – such as examples of secret wait lists and excessive delays in care for Veterans – I believe it is appropriate for the Secretary to resign.