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Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Ron Klein (FL-22) issued a statement today concerning poor and severely inadequate conditions at Walter Reed Medical Center, the nation’s primary facility for wounded veterans returning from service. Klein also responded to recent news reports that indicate that conditions such as those at Walter Reed are a widespread problem at other veteran hospitals throughout the country.
“The atrocious conditions at Walter Reed Medical Center are alarming, and a slap in the face to the brave men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much to serve our country.
“Later this month, I will visit our wounded troops at Walter Reed and am planning a tour of veteran’s hospitals that serve South Florida, where I look forward to personally thanking our wounded veterans for their bravery and their service. I also want to let them know that we will respond quickly to reports of unacceptable conditions at our VA hospitals.
“During Congressional oversight hearings today, it has been revealed that that poor facilities and lax service at veteran hospitals throughout the country is a systemic problem. This situation is unacceptable and a further example of the skewed priorities in Washington over the last few years. This administration has been quick to send troops to battle, but when it comes to getting our troops proper protection in the field and adequate aftercare, we continue to face an uphill battle. I am committed to working with Members of Congress and military officials to make sure these problems are fixed and our facilities are cleaned up as quickly as possible.”
“When we ask our troops to leave their families, their jobs, and risk everything to serve our country, they deserve absolutely nothing less than to come home and receive the basic social services and health care they deserve. It disgusts me that our veterans would be forced to endure anything less.” | 
