Press Release - Congresswoman Laura Richardson

For Immediate Release
October 13, 2009

Contact: Jeff Billington
(202) 225-7924

Congresswoman Richardson Votes to Provide Improved Health Care Quality and Access to Services for Veterans

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Richardson voted on October 8 to ensure that America’s service personnel and veterans receive dignified and appropriate treatment when seeking care from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) health system. The Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act (H.R. 1016) was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives with a 419-1 vote and now goes to the Senate for its approval, and then to President Obama for his signature.

“This legislation will continue on the promise for our nation’s VA health systems, including the VA Long Beach Healthcare System, which serves tens of thousands of veterans from Long Beach and the surrounding communities each year, to better anticipate and meet the demand for appropriate health care services to veterans,” Congresswoman Richardson said. “After the incredible stories of mistreatment that have been reported from Walter Reed Army Hospital and others, it is vital that the system be reformed, so those who are sick receive proper care.”

Endorsed by veterans’ organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, AMVETS and Disabled American Veterans, H.R. 1016 gives Congress the ability to provide funding for VA medical care one year in advance. This funding will help the VA deliver the best care to an increasing number of veterans with increasingly complex medical conditions.

“Given the extraordinary sacrifices our veterans have made on our behalf, it is only appropriate that we honor them and make sure their needs are met,” Congresswoman Richardson added. “This law brings to fruition the pledge by this Congress to leave no veteran behind, a duty I am proud to fulfill.”

Congresswoman Richardson is a Democrat from California’s 37^th Congressional District. She is a member of the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure and Homeland Security. Her district includes Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Watts, Willowbrook and Signal Hill.

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