VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – This week, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), who serves as the Chairwoman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations, hosted a Veterans’ Listening Session at Tidewater Community College. At this event, the Congresswoman heard directly from Hampton Roads veterans who are facing roadblocks when attempting to access healthcare services and benefits. The following morning, Congresswoman Kiggans toured the Hampton VA Medical Center where she discussed these concerns with administrators and staff. 

“Over the past few days, I have spoken with doctors, nurses, administrators, and staff at our local VA facilities and hosted an informative listening session with Hampton Roads veterans,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “Southeast Virginia is blessed to be home to an incredibly large population of our nation’s heroes. As a veteran and a healthcare provider, I know we can do better for the men and women who faithfully served our country. I look forward to ensuring that they’re receiving the best possible care from a VA that puts their needs first.”

“As a nurse, one of the first things you learn to do is listen to – and believe – your patients,” continued Congresswoman Kiggans. “Yesterday’s listening session provided valuable insight into the challenges that our veterans face. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to raise those concerns directly with the Hampton VA Medical Center. I am committed to working with them to cut red tape, increase access to providers, and ensure our veterans receive high quality benefits and healthcare when and where they need them.” 

You can learn more about the Congresswoman’s Hampton VA Medical Center visit here.

BACKGROUND

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the largest agencies in the federal government with an annual budget of over $300 billion, second only to the Department of Defense.  The VA employs nearly 450,000 full time employees and has tens of millions of our nation’s veterans relying on them for healthcare and benefits; as such, rigorous Congressional oversight is needed to ensure that they meet the needs of today’s diverse veteran population.

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