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(November 1, 2007) Gillibrand Calls Associated Press Report on Uninsured Veterans "Appalling" |
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Calls for Immediate Action to Ensure that Our Service Members Get Better Care
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, local Congresswoman Kirsten
Gillibrand, a Member of the House Armed Services Committee released the
following statement regarding an October 30th AP story detailing a
troubling study from the Harvard Medical College on the rise in
uninsured U.S. veterans:
"I am appalled by the troubling
information in this study. The men and women who have worn the uniform
of the United States deserve better."
The study said that
approximately 1.8 millions veterans have no health insurance, an
increase of 290,000 since 2000. Roughly 1 out of every 8 veterans
under the age of 65 are uninsured. The study analyzed data from the
government released surveys from 1988 through 2005.
"Our
support for our servicemen and women needs to go beyond active duty.
As Member of the House Armed Services Committee I have the unique
privilege to witness the strength and commitment that our service
members have for the United States. We cannot turn out back on those
who risked their lives in defense of our freedoms.
"The Walter
Reed scandal, the backlogs in benefits processing, as well as the
nursing shortages we are seeing in our VA hospital is a huge black eye
for the system. We need to do better."
Earlier this year, the
Congresswoman Gillibrand voted in favor of the largest increase in
Veterans Affairs funding in our nation's history. However,
Congresswoman Gillibrand has said that funding, "Is just a start - we
need to do more."
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