In response to a recent Associated Press report that an internal audit at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) concluded that the agency still has not improved veterans’ access to quality health care services, U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) released a statement on Thursday that declared his continued displeasure with the situation.
“I’m still very disappointed by the most recent report that America’s heroes are waiting too long to receive the quality care they deserve,” Blunt said. “While I’m pleased the wait times at Missouri’s VA Hospitals are reportedly below the national average, there’s still more work to be done.”
Since initial reports of extended wait times and poor services at VA clinics and hospitals surfaced about a year ago, Blunt has taken a lead role in the efforts to improve conditions within the VA, aggressively pressing for answers from the agency and visiting several VA facilities. He also has co-sponsored a number of legislative measures designed to improve the quality of care and create more accountability within the VA.
“These men and women fought bravely to protect our freedoms, and I will keep fighting to ensure every veteran gets timely care,” Blunt said.