U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs RSS 2.0 Feed

SENATE CONFIRMS OBAMA NOMINEE TO BE VA ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CONGRESSIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 00:08:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Senate unanimously approved the nomination of Ms. Joan Evans to be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Congressional and Legislative Affairs. Ms. Evans has spent nearly two decades on Capitol Hill, including a period as Chief of Staff for former House Veterans’ Affairs Committee member Darlene Hooley (D-OR). Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) issued the following statement after the vote:

“VA’s Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs plays a critical role in maintaining a strong working relationship between VA and Congress. Ms. Evans brings strong experience to this position and I look forward to working with her.”

Two weeks ago, Akaka held a hearing on Ms. Evans’ nomination. (For more on that hearing, click here.)

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August 7, 2009

SENATE CONFIRMS RAY JEFFERSON TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF LABOR FOR VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 00:08:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Senate unanimously confirmed disabled veteran Ray Jefferson to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training. After being injured during his Army service, Mr. Jefferson served the State of Hawaii as Deputy Director for the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).

“Ray is an example for all Americans, especially those living with disabilities due to their military service,” said Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI). “When I look at what he has achieved in his life, and how many of those achievements occurred after he lost his hand protecting his fellow troops, I believe that he will do great things for his fellow veterans in his new position. I look forward to working with him to meet the employment and transition needs of veterans and returning servicemembers.” Two weeks ago, the Committee met to review the nomination. Soon thereafter, the Committee unanimously approved Jefferson. The next day he was approved by the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, sending his nomination to the full Senate.

Mr. Jefferson is a West Point graduate and veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served as an officer with Infantry and Special Forces units. In 1995, while attempting to protect his fellow servicemembers from a live grenade, he lost all five fingers on his left hand. Following his injury, he spent six months recovering at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu. After graduating from Harvard’s Business School and School of Government and serving as a White House and Fulbright Fellow, he returned to the islands to serve as the number two leader at DBEDT.

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August 7, 2009

SENATE PASSES AKAKA'S VA ADVANCE FUNDING BILL

Fri, 7 Aug 2009 00:08:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate has unanimously approved U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka’s (D-HI) legislation to secure timely and predictable funding for the veterans’ health care system. Akaka introduced the measure with the backing of leading veterans service organizations, shepherded the bill through the Committee, and secured the backing of more than half of the Senate before securing its passage by unanimous consent last night, setting the stage for the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees to negotiate a final version of the legislation, which can then be approved by the full House and Senate.

“Congress has worked in recent years to reverse VA’s chronic underfunding, but we still need to address the broken way that we fund the nation’s largest health care system. With advance funding we will make sure that veterans’ health care receives timely and predictable funding, allowing VA health care dollars to go further for veterans and taxpayers,” said Akaka.

“Delays in the appropriations process for veterans’ medical care have, all too often, prevented the VA from receiving the funding required to provide veterans the medical care they’ve earned. Over the past six years, the VA has not received its annual funding on average until more than three months after the start of the new fiscal year. Clearly, it is long past time Congress remedied this bureaucratic nightmare, and we have moved one step closer today,” said Senator Snowe (R-ME), a lead Republican on the bill. “This Senate action is extremely welcome news and I stand ready to continue working with my colleagues to ensure this legislation is swiftly enacted into law.”

Akaka’s legislation, the Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act of 2009 (S. 423), would secure funding for veterans’ health care one-year in advance of the regular appropriations process. S. 423 would also ensure transparency in the funding process by requiring public reports and GAO audits on VA’s funding forecasting. Currently, VA is funded year-by-year; a process which has resulted in late funding 19 of the past 22 years. VA operates the largest health care system in the nation, providing care for millions of wounded and indigent veterans.

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August 7, 2009

COMMITTEE APPROVES RAY JEFFERSON TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF LABOR FOR VETERANS' EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 00:08:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs unanimously approved the nomination of Ray Jefferson to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training. Mr. Jefferson, a disabled veteran, previously served the State of Hawaii as Deputy Director for the state’s Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).

Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) issued the following statement after the vote:

“From the moment he put his life in danger and lost his hand protecting his fellow troops, Ray Jefferson has demonstrated an uncommon instinct to serve and sacrifice for his country. I look forward to working with him and urge my colleagues to confirm him without delay.” Less than two weeks ago, the Committee met to review the nomination. His nomination now moves to the Senate floor for a final confirmation vote.

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August 3, 2009

CHAIRMAN AKAKA CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF POST-9/11 GI BILL

Mon, 3 Aug 2009 00:08:00 GMT

FAIRFAX, VA – U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) joined President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki, VA Assistant Secretary L. Tammy Duckworth, current and former members of Congress and others at George Mason University this morning to celebrate the implementation of the historic Post-9/11 GI Bill. The bill was passed by Congress last year and went into effect on Saturday, August 1st. Chairman Akaka worked with the bill’s sponsor, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), last year to steer the measure through Congress and resolve initial technical and implementation concerns.

Chairman Akaka said: “The Post-9/11 GI Bill will make college education a reality for many of the brave young men and women who have served our nation. It also gives our servicemembers the ability to send their spouses and children to school.

“As I consider the impact of this new educational benefit on today’s servicemembers, I find myself reflecting on what the original GI Bill did for me as a young veteran. When I returned from World War II, the GI bill gave me the opportunity to build my life on the foundation of a quality education. It is one of the reasons I am a Senator today, and why I was proud to support this new GI Bill.” Senator Akaka attended the University of Hawaii on the original GI Bill following his service in World War II. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI), a WWII Medal of Honor recipient who received degrees at the University of Hawaii and George Washington University on the original GI Bill, said: “The Post-9/11 GI Bill is necessary because America needs another shot in the arm to bolster the educational opportunities for our citizens.

“A new G.I. bill is necessary because much has changed since the initial G.I. Bill which was a great success. The G.I. Bill will go down in history as one of those that has a profound impact on quality of life and attitude in the United States. Today our military is made up of men and women who volunteer for service. These are times when it is not easy to recruit. The G.I. Bill will hopefully serve as a recruiting incentive.”

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides benefits based on active duty service. The maximum benefit allows servicemembers, veterans and family members to receive an in-state, undergraduate education in the state and school of their choice at no cost to themselves.

More information: http://www.gibill.va.gov/

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August 3, 2009

PANEL AGREES ON NEED TO REFORM VETERANS' DISABILITY SYSTEM

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:07:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Witnesses testifying before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs agreed today on the need to reform the veterans’ disability compensation system. Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) heard from representatives of the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, Disabled American Veterans, and a law professor to discuss disability claims processing. The Government Accountability Office presented previously unpublished findings on claims processing from an ongoing review of disability compensation.

“The consensus is growing that the veterans’ disability compensation system needs to be broadly transformed. Representatives from the veterans’ community, academia, and government are coming forward with specific ideas. I am encouraged by the Administration’s willingness to advocate for change, and I will be working with VA officials and others to develop a broad compensation reform proposal,” said Akaka.

Today’s hearing is the latest in a series on veterans’ disability compensation. Records of earlier hearings are available at http://veterans.senate.gov, and the full written opening statements and written testimony for today’s hearing are available here.

The GAO’s report is available at: http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09910t.pdf

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VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REVIEWS OBAMA ADMINISTRATION NOMINEES

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:07:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, held a hearing today on two of President Barack Obama’s nominees for leadership positions within the Departments of Veterans Affairs and Labor: Joan Evans, to be Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Congressional and Legislative Affairs, and Ray Jefferson, to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and Training. After the hearing, Chairman Akaka made the following statement:

“The Assistant Secretary positions we reviewed today are critical to the ability of their Departments to provide veterans and their families with the care and benefits they have earned. I am working to bring these nominations to the full Senate during this legislative period.”

Chairman Akaka’s full statements on each of the nominees, as well as their written testimony, are available here.

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AKAKA URGES SHINSEKI TO TERMINATE CONTRACT WITH UNIVERSITY AFTER INVESTIGATION REVEALS BREACH OF TERMS

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:07:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) reacted to the findings of VA’s Inspector General regarding the Department’s award of a $15 million sole-source contract to research Gulf War Illness to a University which then breached the terms of the contract.

“Unless the Department terminates this contract with the University, it risks setting a precedent that VA contracts can be ignored regardless of the legal or fiscal impact or the consequences for veterans.

“An untold number of servicemembers returned from the first Gulf War with significant health concerns that are still not understood. VA must secure the remaining funds from the $15 million contract and dedicate that funding to research that will help the Department better understand and treat the illnesses of Gulf War veterans.” Akaka’s letter to Veterans Affairs Secretary Erik K. Shinseki on this matter is available here.

The IG’s report is available here.

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July 16, 2009

WOMEN VETERANS TESTIFY THAT VA MUST IMPROVE OUTREACH AND EXPAND PROGRAMS FOR FAST-GROWING FEMALE POPULATION

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:07:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, held an oversight hearing to outline gaps in VA care for women veterans and highlight strategies to bridge those gaps. Akaka gathered a panel of women veterans and representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Government Accountability Office to share their personal experiences and views on the VA system. The witness testimony yesterday illustrated the gap between the Department’s wide array of services for women veterans and the actual experiences of many women veterans.

“VA plans many valuable programs and services for women veterans. However, our witnesses demonstrated that VA must do more than just set mandates – the Department must ensure that women veterans know about the services available to them and are given assistance to receive them,” said Akaka.

Witnesses included:

• Genevieve Chase, a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, and founder and executive director of American Women Veterans. During her service in OEF, Ms. Chase was attacked by a suicide vehicle-borne, improvised explosive device (IED) and returned home with symptoms of PTSD and TBI.

• Jennifer Olds, who served during the first Gulf War. She discussed her experiences dealing with Military Sexual Trauma (MST), the difficulties of rehabilitating, and the strengths and weaknesses of the care she received at VA.

• Kayla Williams, who was part of the initial invasion of Iraq in 2003 and is currently on the Board of Directors of Grace After Fire. As a soldier with the 101st Airborne Division (Airborne Assault), she came under small arms fire and was mortared – an experience she shares with other women veterans despite the myth that female servicemembers don’t experience combat situations. She testified about VA care from her own experiences.

• Tia Christopher, a veteran and Women Veterans Coordinator for Swords to Plowshares. VA determined she has service connected PTSD associated with MST. She described for the committee the changes she has seen since her discharge eight years ago and the need for additional changes, such as child care for male and female veterans.

• Joy Ilem, a veteran and Deputy National Legislative Director for the Disabled American Veterans. She testified that when she left the service in the 1980s, there was little to no information for women veterans and that she neither recognized herself as a veteran or knew she was entitled to VA benefits for disabilities she incurred in service. Two decades later, Ms. Ilem feels that VA is finally taking steps in the right direction to address the needs of women veterans.

The Veterans Health Care Reauthorization Act (S. 252), Chairman Akaka’s omnibus veterans’ health care bill that was unanimously approved by the Committee earlier this summer includes provisions to help VA understand why outreach to women veterans is falling short by identifying the barriers women veterans face when seeking care from VA. S.252 would also authorize VA to:

• Implement a program to educate, train, and certify professionals to provide MST-related mental health care (more background here);
• Establish a pilot program to provide child care for veterans who require intensive care and are primary caretakers;
• Report to Congress whether there is at least one full-time women veterans’ program manager at each VA Medical Center; and
• Provide care for the newborns of eligible women veterans.

The Chairman’s opening statement, as well as the witnesses’ written testimony including the Government Accountability Office’s audit of VA health care for women, is available here.

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July 15, 2009

CONGRESSIONALLY MANDATED NATIONAL REVIEW OF VA DOMICILIARIES RELEASED; VA AGREES REFORM NEEDED

Thu, 9 Jul 2009 00:07:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, issued the following statement today on a newly released congressionally-mandated national review of VA’s residential mental health care facilities, dedicating the effort to a young Iraq war veteran who died in a VA domiciliary facility while receiving care for PTSD and a substance abuse disorder:

“The tragic death of Justin Bailey after he came home from Iraq demonstrated the need for a national review of VA mental health care facilities. This report indicates what we and the Bailey family feared – some VA facilities still have not corrected the errors that may have contributed to his death, more than two years after his passing,” said Senator Akaka. “I am encouraged by the Administration’s full agreement with the report’s recommendations, and I stand ready to assist in implementing these needed changes.”

Akaka championed Public Law 110-387, the Veterans’ Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008, a sweeping veterans’ mental health care bill which included a tribute to Bailey and required this national review.

The report, by VA’s Office of Inspector General, found the following based on a national survey and random review of 20 sample sites:
• Less than half of the sites visited had appropriate policies for screening patients to be admitted into the VA residential mental health facility programs,
• Post-discharge monitoring was not evident for nearly 3-out-of-10 residents based on residential patient records, and
• An estimated 11 percent of VA Self Medication Policy patients on narcotics received more than a 7-day supply of medication.

The IG made 10 recommendations based on the review, all of which were accepted by VA.

The full report, which includes a list of the locations and programs visited during the inspections, is available here.

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July 9, 2009