Ft Wayne Times

Congressman Jim Baird of Indiana has expressed his support for the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. The legislation mandates the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to devise a plan that allows veterans to schedule health care appointments during their initial call to the VA.

Baird, an Army combat veteran who served in the Vietnam War, stated, “As an Army combat veteran who served in the Vietnam War, I am no stranger to the roadblocks veterans face when attempting to receive timely attention and treatment.” He emphasized that service members should not be denied health care due to bureaucratic inefficiencies, a challenge many veterans currently encounter.

The Congressman highlighted that elements from his own bill, the VA Same-Day Scheduling Act, have been incorporated into this legislative package. “I am encouraged to see that the spirit of my bill, the VA Same-Day Scheduling Act, was included in this package,” Baird remarked. He stressed that his bill ensures any veteran contacting the VA for care can secure an appointment during that call.

Baird affirmed his commitment to reducing bureaucratic hurdles and providing timely medical care for veterans as one of his primary objectives in Congress. He concluded by expressing pride in voting for this legislative package and seeing it pass through the U.S. House, ensuring that the VA fulfills its promise of quality health care for veterans.