11.10.14

Hoeven to Pay Tribute to North Dakota Veterans

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven will join North Dakotans in paying tribute to the military veterans of our state and nation. The senator will speak at the Annual Veterans Day Memorial on the North Dakota State Capitol Grounds, sponsored by Adam Klein Chapter #3 of the North Dakota Disabled American Veterans. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Hoeven will also pay tribute at the AMVETS Post 9 Veterans Day Program at 1 p.m.

“On Veterans Day and every day, we recognize that our nation and the freedoms we enjoy have been protected and guaranteed by brave men and women who have selflessly donned the uniform of our military,” said Hoeven. “These men and women have fought and many have died to preserve our liberties and ensure our way of life. We owe them not only our respect and tremendous gratitude, but also our commitment to honoring our nation’s promises to them.”

Earlier this year, Hoeven helped to pass the Veterans Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014. Under the bill veterans will now have the option to receive care from a non-VA provider at the department’s expense if they cannot schedule an appointment within the established VA wait times or if they live more than 40 miles from the nearest VA medical facility. The measure also improves accountability and transparency at the VA, including provisions to reform the way performance reviews are used and to make more information available to patients and the public.

Hoeven has been working to ensure that North Dakota veterans can access a nearby health care provider if their local Community Based Outpatient Clinic or VA Medical Center cannot provide the required service. He has also been leading legislative efforts that would allow veterans more options for health care and long-term care services in their home communities.

Hoeven is a member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee.