Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Richard Blumenthal, members of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, have introduced the VA Medical Center Security Report Act. This legislation aims to address security challenges at VA Medical Centers and other sites under the jurisdiction of VA Police.
Sen. Moran expressed his concern for the safety and security of veterans seeking care at VA facilities, stating, "I have heard from VA providers in Kansas about the security challenges they are facing that could jeopardize the safety and security of veterans seeking care at VA facilities and VA's health care workforce."
Sen. Blumenthal emphasized the importance of ensuring safe conditions for veterans and VA staff, saying, "Our veterans and dedicated VA staff deserve safe conditions when they seek care and work at VA Medical Centers."
The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) also voiced their support for the legislation. TJ Wilcox-Olson, MHS, RN, President of NOVA, stated, "This bipartisan legislation is strongly supported by the Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) as it will review security challenges, make any necessary changes and provide our police officers the resources needed to keep VA property safe for Veterans, staff and visitors."
The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) also applauded the introduction of the VA Medical Center Security Report Act. Joy Ilem, National Legislative Director of DAV, highlighted the importance of providing secure sanctuary to service-disabled veterans when seeking healthcare at VA facilities.
The Independence Fund, a nonprofit organization advocating for veterans, expressed their support for the legislation, stating, "No one should worry about their safety when working, visiting, or being treated at a VA medical center. That is why The Independence Fund fully supports this bipartisan legislation to provide policymakers the information they need to properly resource VA's police force to keep our medical centers safe."
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and its National Veterans Affairs Council (NVAC) also endorsed the VA Medical Center Security Reporting Act. M.J. Burke, First Executive Vice President of AFGE's NVAC, highlighted the need for oversight and resources to protect veterans and VA employees.
The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) thanked Senators Moran and Blumenthal for addressing the safety and security crisis within the VA. Randy Erwin, National President of NFFE, emphasized the need to support VA police officers and provide a safe environment for veterans.
The National Association of VA Physicians and Dentists (NAVAPD) emphasized the importance of a secure and safe environment for all staff and veterans. Joseph T. Abate, DMD, President of NAVAPD, expressed strong support for the VA Medical Center Security Report Act.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) also voiced their support for the legislation, stating, "Addressing security needs is critical to providing high-quality health care in a safe and secure environment. This legislation serves as a reminder of the continued need to protect those who protect us."
The VA Medical Center Security Report Act was co-sponsored by several senators and supported by The American Legion and AMVETS. The bill is a companion bill to H.R. 3504, introduced by Rep. Jen Kiggans, which addresses the same security concerns in the House.
The legislation aims to provide oversight and resources to address security challenges at VA Medical Centers and ensure the safety of veterans, staff, and visitors.
To learn more, click on this link: https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2023/12/sens-moran-blumenthal-introduce-legislation-to-address-va-medical-center-security-concerns
