New bill aimed at providing veterans benefits

Letter to the Editor,

Congress must act now for our veterans. The Veterans Affairs’ recent scandal has excited veterans organizations all across the country, demanding resolve of the atrocities noted in that scandal for poor leadership and mismanagement of VA medical centers nationwide.  

Investigative reports continue to show there is more then meets the eye. There have been deaths of veterans waiting for medical attention for months on end.  

Illnesses have worsened due to lack of attention. Our Congress, Senate and President Obama are on  the bandwagon wanting answers.  

Why did they not take action many years ago when they received complaints from veterans? It was known more than a decade ago about mistreatment.  

Those complaints fell upon unhearing ears. Now we have needless deaths that could have been prevented and illnesses that could have been better treated. America has some of the finest medical resources in the world, but to put those resources to work for our veterans cost dollars. Is it cheaper to bury a veteran than to provide proper medical care for those who fought for our freedom?  

There is an active House Bill HR-543, The BlueWater Navy Vietnam Agent Orange Act. There are 210 co-sponsors. We need 218 co-sponsors to get this bill out of committee to the house floor. This bill will become a milestone toward providing equitable VA benefits for thousands of veterans, saving lives and providing better quality of life.

I urge all Americans to contact their members of Congress. Those who have not done so can become co-sponsors of this important legislation. It will also lead to other legislation for veterans.

— John J. Bury

 Libby