Rangel Praises Va Secretary For His "Wise Decision."

Congressman Charles Rangel today praised U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson's decision to maintain two New York veterans hospitals which had been threatened with closure.

"I thank Secretary Nicholson for his wise decision to keep these hospitals open," said Congressman Rangel who has led the New York Congressional delegation in lobbying to preserve the hospitals.  "His decision makes good sense in view of the great need for the hospitals and the excellence they've demonstrated in treating critical specialties."

The hospitals, in Manhattan and in Brooklyn, had been threatened with closure under a nation-wide restructuring plan by the Department of Veterans Affairs. A third facility, located in Queens, will be updated.

Secretary Nicholson cited the Manhattan hospital's reputation for its neurological and cardiac specialties, and the Brooklyn facility's excellence in treating cancer and its women's health programs. 

"With more than 300,000 veterans residing in the city, consolidating these hospitals would have created great hardships for the men and women who have already sacrificed for our country," Congressman Rangel said.  "I am truly pleased that they no longer have to worry about that eventuality."

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