Release: Representatives Shea-Porter, Edwards Tour VA Hospital

Sunday, August 17, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT

Jamie Radice (202) 225-5456

Representatives Shea-Porter, Edwards Tour VA Hospital

Manchester—Today, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter continued to demonstrate her commitment to New Hampshire vets by touring the Manchester VA Hospital with Congressman Chet Edwards (D-TX).  Congressman Edwards, who is Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, was invited by Congresswoman Shea-Porter. 

"It is important for my colleagues in Congress to know about the lack of access New Hampshire veterans have to medical care," declared Congresswoman Shea-Porter.  "I will continue to raise this issue until New Hampshire has a full-service VA hospital or comparable services." 

Although there are more than 130,000 veterans currently living in New Hampshire, it is the only state that does not have a full service VA hospital or equivalent services through a military facility. 

Securing a full-service VA hospital has been a top priority for Congresswoman Shea-Porter. Last month, Shea-Porter introduced "The Veterans Equity Health Act," legislation which will ensure that veterans in each of the 48 contiguous states have access to at least one full-service hospital or receive comparable services provided by contract. Shea-Porter has also met with VA Secretary James Peake and urged him to provide New Hampshire vets with a full-service facility.