Manchester, N.H. – Today, Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander, a member of the House Armed Services Committee and former intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve, alongside Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), ranking member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, helped introduce the Veterans Full-Service Care and Access Act, legislation that would require VA to operate, at minimum, one full-service Veterans Health Administration hospital within each state in the contiguous 48 states. U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is leading companion legislation in the Senate. U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is a cosponsor of the legislation.
“We have a sacred obligation to the tens of thousands of women and men across New Hampshire who served our country in uniform. They put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and it’s my mission in Congress to ensure these brave American heroes have access to the full range of healthcare they need,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “This bill is an important step in this mission.”
“Our veterans have each put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, and they ought to receive the care and benefits they have earned after their service. Unfortunately, New Hampshire veterans are not on an equal footing with those in other states. New Hampshire still lacks a full-service VA hospital, meaning our veterans may not have access to, or may need to travel long distances for, essential care. My legislation would finally right this wrong,” said Congressman Pappas. “I have fought to prevent the closure of Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, reduce the backlog of cases at VA, and ensure that toxic-exposed veterans are finally receiving the help they need. I will continue my work to strengthen veterans’ health care by pushing for a full-service hospital for New Hampshire veterans who deserve the highest quality care and services.”
“Every freedom and right we enjoy today was paid for with the sacrifices of the men and women who have served in the military—the least we can do is ensure veterans can access first rate health care no matter where they live,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bill would help more Granite State veterans access the health care they deserve by helping establish a full service VA hospital in New Hampshire—the only state in the continental U.S. without one.”
“America’s best deserve our best, which is why it’s past time that New Hampshire veterans have a full-service VA facility in our state,” said Senator Hassan. “I have a record of advocating for a full-service VA hospital in New Hampshire and I urge my colleagues in the House and Senate to support this bill and help us uphold our commitment to our veterans.”
“The New Hampshire Veterans of Foreign Wars fully supports the Veterans Full-Service Care and Access Act. We believe the Act will enhance veterans’ access to quality care and offer greater flexibility in choosing providers, ensuring veterans can access care whether at a VA facility or through community providers,” said AJ Corrow, NH VFW Legislative Chairman.
Background:
New Hampshire is the only state in the contiguous 48 states to not have a dedicated, full-service VA hospital.
An Executive Order issued by President Trump on May 9th instructed VA to begin a feasibility study on expanding services to support a full-service medical center in New Hampshire within 30 days and submit an action plan to the President within 180 days.
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