Leo Shane Leads Fireside Chat with Congressional Veterans Affairs Leaders

Leo Shane of Military Times leads panel discussion with Congessional leaders focusing on veterans health care and education. Participating are Sen. Johnny Isakson, R GA, Sen. Jon Tester D MT, Rep. Mark Takano D, CA, and Rep. Phil Rowe R TN.

Key topics discussed:
1. Not privatizing VA
2. VA Budget increased $97 billion to $200 billion.
3. National shortage 100,000 drs and nurses
4. VA shifting to outpatient care
5. 14 of 20 veterans who commit suicide are out side of VA system.
6. $8 billion spent on veterans suicide prevention has not moved the needle.
7. Concern on status of DOD to VA electronic health care records project.
8. Accountability of providers in and out of VA to be priority.
9. Vietnam Era Blue Water Agent Orange illness coverage will be reintroduced, defeated by one vote in Senate in December.
10. Treating veterans should be considered cost of war.

Video by Ken Kraetzer for Sons of the American Legion Radio at American Legion Washington Converence on 20190225