Washington, DC (July 24, 2006) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) joined Congressman Solomon Ortiz (TX-27) to jointly introduce the “South Texas Veterans Access to Care Act,” legislation that, if passed, requires the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to report to Congress within 180 days how they plan to address the health care needs for South Texas veterans.

“For years, we have been talking about the acute health care needs for South Texas veterans,” said Hinojosa.  “There has been enough talking; now is the time for action.  Quite simply, veterans in South Texas are not getting access to quality and affordable health care – in many cases having to travel hundreds of miles for services.  This bill moves us in a new direction to providing these veterans with the health care coverage they deserve.”

Specifically, the South Texas Veterans Access to Care Act, gives the government three different options in establishing a way to address acute health care services in South Texas.  The government can either establish a public-private venture to provide in-patient services; build a veterans hospital; or utilize an existing military treatment facility with a sharing agreement. 

Earlier this year, Congressman Hinojosa requested $5 million from the House Appropriations Committee for a Veterans Hospital in the Rio Grande Valley, and has held a series of benefit enrollment fairs to show the VA that there is a case to build a hospital in the area. 

“We are continuing to work with appropriators to get funding for a hospital in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Hinojosa.  “But, until this becomes a reality, it is clear that the VA needs to do something to address the shortage of care.  Our veterans, who served this country with honor, deserve benefits and access to quality and affordable healthcare.