“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” – Declaration of Independence.
This Saturday, we celebrate our forefathers who fought for our independence.
As we celebrate this terrific day with our family and friends, let’s not forget to thank our veterans and service members who answered the ultimate call of duty to protect our freedoms at home and abroad.
It is imperative for Congress to make sure our veterans and service members receive the healthcare they were promised, earned and deserve. They fought for our freedoms and I believe our elected officials should fight for them.
As Maine’s Second District Representative, I will continue to support bills that will help our veterans receive quality healthcare in a timely manner and provide the necessary oversight to make sure that happens.
To that end, I recently cosponsored the Veterans’ Mental Health Care Access Act which expands the Choice program to allow veterans to seek immediate mental health care at any facility eligible to receive reimbursement through CMS. By waiving the 30 day waiting period and 40 mile distance provisions, veterans will be allowed to use their Choice card and receive mental healthcare in a timely manner.
In Congress, I have supported several bills, such as the TRICARE Choice Act, to help improve veterans’ access to healthcare and I will continue to work to make sure that our brave men and women of the military receive access the healthcare they were promised, earned and deserve.
In regards to providing oversight, I will continue to monitor VA Maine Healthcare System at Togus after the recent Inspector General report.
It was troubling to learn that there were, indeed, issues at Togus.
However, you can count on me to monitor the quarterly check-ups and be in contact with the Inspector General’s office.
I thank the men and women at Togus who work diligently to help care for our veterans, but we must make sure that NO ONE falls through the cracks. Our brave veterans deserve the best.
So as you enjoy a Maine red snapper hot dog and ice cold Moxie while watching the fireworks with family and friends, be sure to remember and thank those who have fought and are fighting to protect our freedoms and liberties.
Happy Independence Day, Mainers!
