Republican Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs sent a letter Monday to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Denis McDonough calling on him to attend a congressional forum in September that will focus on wait times at VA healthcare facilities.
In the letter, first obtained by the Daily Caller, Biggs mentions that he and other members of Congress will be hosting a forum on the wait times, veterans’ access to community care and accessibility of VA benefits. The Arizona Republican said he continues to hear about issues within the department that have affected veterans’ access to care across the U.S. and specifically in and around the Phoenix area, which he represents.
“Veterans are not receiving the quality care they deserve and VA Secretary McDonough has a responsibility to mend his department’s failures,” Biggs told the Caller before sending the letter.
“For too long, veterans in my district, the greater Phoenix area, and across the country continue to face unacceptable delays and wait times for their health care,” he continued. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Republican Lawmaker Introduces Bill Blocking VA From Interfering With Veteran Gun Purchases)
READ THE LETTER HERE:
(DAILY CALLER OBTAINED) — … by Henry Rodgers
“I expect Secretary McDonough to attend this forum where my colleagues and I can discuss solutions with him and ensure that the needs of our veterans are being met. As the chief executive of the VA, Secretary McDonough has a duty to deliver high-quality care to our veterans. The American people are watching,” Biggs added.
Biggs gave the VA until Sept. 7 to accept his invitation. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Murphy, House Veterans Affairs Committee Press For Hearing On Veteran Mental Health Amid Biden’s ‘Failed Withdrawal’)
In response to an inquiry from the Caller, the VA said in a statement, “It’s our top priority at VA to provide Veterans with timely access to the world-class care and benefits they deserve – in Arizona and in every part of the country. VA has received Congressman Biggs’ letter and will respond appropriately.”