Release: Shea-Porter Stands Up for New Hampshire Veterans During Committee Hearing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT

Jamie Radice (202) 225-5456

Shea-Porter Stands Up for New Hampshire Veterans During Committee Hearing, Insists on Access to Full-Service, In-State Health Care During Testimony

Washington – Today, at the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter testified about the urgent need for New Hampshire veterans to have access to full in-state health care.  The Committee was reviewing Shea-Porter’s legislation, “The Veterans Equity Act,” which ensures that veterans in each of the 48 contiguous states have access to at least one full service hospital of the Veterans Health Administration or receive comparable services provided by contract.  New Hampshire is the only state in the country that does not have a full-service VA hospital or access to comparable care at a military facility.  There are currently more than 130,000 veterans living in New Hampshire. 

“It is disgraceful that many of our oldest and sickest veterans are forced to travel out of state for medical care,” said Shea-Porter. “I urge the Committee to support my legislation so we can ensure New Hampshire veterans have the care they need and deserve.”  

Ensuring New Hampshire veterans have access to in-state medical care has been a top priority for Congresswoman Shea-Porter. Earlier this year, Shea-Porter met with VA Affairs Secretary James Peake and spoke to him about the difficulties many New Hampshire veterans faced because of the lack of in-state care.  Last month, at Shea-Porter’s request, Congressman Chet Edwards, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Military Construction, traveled to New Hampshire to tour the Manchester VA hospital.  Congressman Bob Filner, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, has also visited the Manchester VA hospital at Shea-Porter’s request.