Press Release

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. led a bipartisan group yesterday in urging the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to thoroughly review staffing levels at VA hospitals and facilities. In a letter to the GAO, they urged the government watchdog to examine if the VA has enough physicians and health care professionals to adequately care for veterans in a timely manner. Bera made the following comment:

"As a doctor who's cared for veterans in the VA system, I've seen firsthand how much our veterans have sacrificed for our country, and they deserve the best health care our nation can offer. Reports that some vets have died waiting for care are alarming and we need to make sure that we have enough medical personnel in place to care for our heroes. "

Several reports indicate that physician workloads at VA health facilities far exceed recommended levels, contributing to long wait times for medical care. Ensuring that the VA is being effectively staffed is critical to ensuring that veterans receive the quality care they need. You can click here to see a copy of the letter.

Bera has been working to address problems at the VA since his first month in office. He is urging a comprehensive VA audit to thoroughly check hospital records, and voted to make it easier to dismiss senior VA employees and managers who aren't doing their jobs. He also co-authored and helped pass the 21st Century Health Care for Heroes Act to streamline the electronic health record system for service members and veterans, and consistently supported funding for veterans' health care and services.

Since 2013, Bera's office has helped Sacramento County veterans get more than $875,000 in benefits owed to them from the federal government. If you are a veteran who needs help, please call Bera's office at 916-635-0505 or visit bera.house.gov/gethelp.

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. represents Sacramento County. Born and raised in California, Bera is a physician and the only Indian American currently serving in Congress. He's fighting to rebuild an economy that works for middle class families and to reduce our country's debt in a responsible way. One of Bera's first acts in Congress was to help lead the effort to pass the No Budget No Pay Act, which says if members of Congress don't pass a budget, they don't get paid. As a leader of the No Labels' Problem Solvers, he's working with people from both parties to find bipartisan solutions to our nation's challenges. He and his wife Janine live in Elk Grove with their daughter Sydra. For more updates on Rep. Bera follow @RepBera on Twitter, like Congressman Bera on Facebook, or visit https://www.bera.house.gov.