Bringing Veterans’ Services Closer to Veterans
One of my top priorities in Congress is to help bring veterans’ services closer to veterans. Northwest Washington's veterans have traveled too far, for too long, to get the health care they need and deserve. Many veterans in Northwest Washington travel up to 100 miles each way to receive medical, dental, and mental health treatment.
In January, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced good news that will bring veterans' health care closer to veterans in our region — they approved a Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) for Northwest Washington. The CBOC will provide health care to our region's veterans without forcing them to spend an entire day in transportation gridlock and waiting rooms. The VA is currently conducting a process to determine the clinic's exact location based on the local veterans population, access to transportation and other important factors.
I applaud the veterans of the Second Congressional District who have worked so hard to bring a Community Based Outpatient Clinic to Northwest Washington.
VA Vet Center
The VA also announced this spring that they will open a new Vet Center in Everett. VA Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to veterans and their families. Northwest Washington is already home to one Vet Center in Bellingham. The Everett Vet Center will bring needed services closer to home.
Largest VA Funding Increase in 77 Years
Together with my colleagues in Congress, I have fought to make sure that veterans’ services get the federal support they need. This spring, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the largest increase in VA funding in 77 years - the largest single increase in the history of the Veterans Administration.
This historic bill would give the VA resources they need to hire more qualified doctors and nurses, reduce waiting times for medical appointments and continue providing essential services to veterans across the country, including many of the 75,000 veterans who call Northwest Washington home.
