109th Congress Press Releases

CHAIRMAN BUYER CALLS FOR ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS & EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF PTSD

Thursday, July 28, 2005
Washington, D.C.— Opening with the tragic story of an Army captain's suicide, the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing today to assess how effectively the Department of Veterans Affairs identifies veterans at risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Chairman Steve Buyer (R-IN) asked widow, Stefanie Pelkey of Spring, Texas, to share her family's story in an effort to focus the hearing on what must be done for those soldiers returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

CHAIRMAN BUYER SAYS WAIT TIMES FOR VETERANS TO RECEIVE HEALTHCARE ARE UNACCEPTABLE

Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Washington, D.C.— Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Steve Buyer today expressed concern over findings in a recent report on outpatient scheduling procedures, issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs inspector general.  The findings reinforced evidence of rising waiting times for health care appointments that was discussed at a Committee hearing on VA health care funding shortfalls Thursday.

HOUSE PASSES H.R. 3200

Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House passed H.R. 3200 unanimously, which will allow for the maximum coverage for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) to be permanently increased to $400,000.

BUYER SEEKS RESOLVE ON VA BUDGET SHORTFALL

Thursday, July 21, 2005
Washington, D.C.— At a hearing of the full committee, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Steve Buyer (R-IN) sought answers from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) regarding its request for an additional $1.9 billion for FY 06 to fund higher-than-expected veteran’s health care needs.

VETERANS TO RECEIVE GREATER INSURANCE COVERAGE

Thursday, July 14, 2005

Washington, D.C. - The maximum coverage for Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) will be permanently boosted to $400,000 by a bill marked up in the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs today. 

ROUDEBUSH VA HOSPITAL IN INDIANAPOLIS TO RECEIVE $20 MILLION IN CONSTRUCTION

Monday, July 11, 2005

Washington, D.C.—House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Steve Buyer (IN-04) hailed today’s announcement by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of a $20 million construction contract at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis.  The contract will add inpatient beds and an inpatient pharmacy.