In many cases, we would be supportive of efforts by government entities to streamline services in an effort to be more efficient and effective in serving taxpayers.
But when it comes to the VA Healthcare System, the problem isn’t as simple as looking at the bottom line. This system was established to deliver on a promise of quality health care for those men and women who served this country, oftentimes on the front lines of conflicts around the world.
The system’s failure to provide those services on a consistent basis has been well documented. But for every step forward, it seems to take two or more back.
That’s why we support the efforts of U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., Mike Rounds, R-S.D., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., who have reintroduced the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act. This bill would eliminate the commission that is charged with finding VA facilities that should be consolidated or realigned.
The commission’s initial report called for major changes to VA facilities in Clarksburg, Beckley and Huntington — changes that have been highly criticized by state veterans and leaders.
Manchin, Capito, Rep. David McKinley, Gov. Jim Justice and Ted Diaz, Cabinet secretary of the West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance, have spoken out against the proposed changes.
In particular to West Virginia’s case, state veterans are being penalized because of the rural nature of the state. And if the recommended cuts in services move forward, the changes would put an undue burden on veterans, many of whom have mobility issues and would find it difficult to travel longer distances for service.
In an op-ed column, Diaz said the proposed changes would force West Virginia veterans to seek treatment from public and private hospitals, many of which lack the training and staff to handle some of the issues veterans face.
He also pointed out that state veterans would be forced to travel to VA facilities in other states, some as far away as Connecticut, for some treatment.
Manchin has been highly critical of the AIR Commission and has tried in the past to have it disbanded.
“Our veterans have put their lives on the line to protect our nation and deserve easy access to the health care they have earned,” Manchin said.
“The VA’s recommendations to the AIR Commission are skewed against rural states like West Virginia, which would see a reduction in services at three of our four VA Medical Centers (VAMCs).
“I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure our brave veterans don’t lose access to the health care they earned and sacrificed for, and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join this critical legislation.”
Capito said the VA Healthcare System should be working to expand programs and access, not curtail it.
“West Virginia’s veterans deserve the very best care possible,” Capito said. “Instead of increasing access to health services, the AIR Commission recommendations would reduce options for those who served our country.
“Not only have I heard from countless veterans in West Virginia who are rightly concerned that they will have more difficulty getting the care they need, I’ve heard from our local leaders and providers that they may not be able to accommodate the changes being proposed. I’m proud to continue standing up for our veterans and helping lead the bipartisan effort to ensure these recommendations do not take effect.”
It is clear that the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission is failing its mission to improve health care for veterans, especially in rural states like West Virginia.
With that in mind, we believe these senators, led by the Mountain State’s own Manchin and Capito, have it right: Don’t get rid of VA health care; get rid of the commission.