Smith Urges VA to Delay Decision on Hot Springs Service Reductions
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adrian Smith (R-NE), Co-Chair of the Rural Veterans Caucus, today sent a second letter to the Director of the VA Black Hills Health Care System, Stephen DiStasio, calling for the VA to allow more time to review a proposed reduction in services at their Hot Springs, SD facility.
“As I stated in my previous letter, this proposal will impact thousands of veterans in the Third District of Nebraska,” wrote Smith. “While I appreciate you holding additional community meetings so affected veterans could have the opportunity to voice their concerns about the proposal, your timeline for making a final decision on the matter must allow for the careful consideration of all of the feedback from these meetings.
“I urge you to allow more time to fully consider the implications of the proposal, review the comments from affected veterans, and assure their access to health care will not be reduced,” Smith continued. “Until these concerns have been addressed, I request you delay any final decision.”
In a December 21st letter to DiStasio, Smith successfully persuaded the VA to hold additional public meetings in Alliance and Chadron on January 6, 2012. Smith has also urged Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki to reconsider the proposed service reductions. Reports show increasing the distances veterans are forced to travel causes many to choose to delay or even go without the care they require.
Click hereto view the full letter.
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