Veteran Issues

Written in February of 2024

Veteran’s benefits is a sensitive subject for me. As I see the VA implement more and more bureaucratic process to provide care, I also see incredibly easier and more affordable ways to provide time-critical care to veterans who need it most.

We are facing a younger veteran now that Biden surrendered to the Taliban. Many of the veterans in Utah have a full-time job or children. The VA implements Community Care requirements that put additional burdens on these younger veterans. When a veteran who has a family and may work full time is still required to travel to the Salt Lake City VA because they live within 60 miles of the SLC VA or there is a 3 month or more wait time, something is wrong. There has to be policy changes that affect unique circumstances of veterans. Cutting the bureaucracy will help eliminate the wait times and help ensure veterans get the care they need.

There are several areas of advanced care, that has substantial medical studies and is just not being considered by the VA. In one notable area, is Ketamine or MDMA treatment for veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety. If we are seeing significant results from limited studies, more pilot or utilization of these treatments can be provided to Veterans who need them. We should be fast-tracking the care of veterans who are suffering from severe cases of PTSD or depression. A study released in 2022 indicated that approximately 22 to 44 veterans commit suicide every day.

We have had approximately 7000 U.S. military personnel die in conflicts since 9/11 and 30,000 have taken their life by suicide. We must think about mental health differently and use innovative solutions that can do better for those who serve.

Reform and accountability by Congress comes through the power of the purse. Congress must stop passing continuing resolutions and instead pass appropriation bills that force reform in our federal agencies. We do NOT need another Continuing Resolution - we need Continuing accountability.

We have to take care of our veterans – this needs to be addressed and I will make this a priority in my work as Utah’s Senator.