WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today questioned Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officials—including VA Secretary Robert Wilkie—at a subcommittee hearing on the department’s most recent budget request and priorities. During questioning, Senator Capito asked about implementation of the Veterans Community Care Program, which can benefit veterans living in rural communities, veterans’ apprenticeship and vocational job opportunities, and sustaining the workforce of mental health professionals working within the VA.
“A source of concern for you all and for our nation is our lack of mental health professionals,” Senator Capito said. “We have a lot of PTSD, but we also have a lot of the opioid and addiction issues that are rifling through our communities. There’s a lot of competition for expertise in the area so anything we can do to support you to get the professional in the mental health area is something that I think is going to help everybody, not just veterans, but everybody across the board.”
For a video of Senator Capito’s questions, click here.
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