Heinrich Statement On Release Of Internal VA Nationwide Audit Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) issued the following statement today after the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released its internal nationwide audit report:

"The internal audit revealed that far too many New Mexicans have waited far too long for care.  VA doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and others play a critical role in providing the best care to our veterans, but our nation must provide them with the resources and staff they need to meet the needs of our veterans.

"Last month, I visited the regional VA facility in Albuquerque and many of the veterans that I spoke to there were complementary of their treatment -- but they were already in the door. Our challenge moving forward is to ensure we have a process in place to ensure that all veterans can see a doctor in a timely manner.  Even one veteran slipping through the cracks anywhere in the nation is one too many. 

"The mismanagement and systemic problems at the VA demand the immediate attention of Congress, which is why I will continue to support proposals that ensure accountability at the VA, expand access for veterans to other facilities, and hire more doctors and medical staff. We cannot further allow our veterans to wait unreasonable and dangerous wait times to see a doctor."