TOP STORY – VA MUST ACCELERATE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS

On February 5th, I pressed VA leaders on their plan to convert paper health records into an electronic format over the next ten years. By their estimates, Montana won’t see electronic records until the year 2026. That timeline is unacceptable! This is VA’s fourth and most expensive attempt yet—with a $16 billion price tag for the taxpayer. This is clearly a recipe for disaster, and our veterans deserve better.

Montana Wing of the Civil Air Patrol

SUPPORTING THE MILIARY, VETERANS, AND THEIR FAMILIES

February was a dynamic time on Capitol Hill as Veterans groups came to our nation’s capital to press their priorities. A few highlights from the Montana groups that visited my D.C. office this year—

  • On Thursday, February 28th, I met with members of the Montana Wing of the Civil Air Patrol—including Colonel Warren Vest (Kalispell), Lieutenant Colonel Bob Schneller (Kalispell), Cadet Justin Ramey (Eureka) and Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Daniel Dorsett (Kalispell). We were joined by the distinguished National Commander: Major General Mark Smith.
Enlisted Association of the National Guard Montana (EANGMT) and the America Legion of Montana. 
  • On Wednesday, February 27th, I met with a combined group of Enlisted Association of the National Guard Montana (EANGMT)and the American Legion of Montana. We discussed changes in law needed to improve health care for our Guardsmen and our veterans.
  • On Wednesday, February 12th I met with members of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3570 for Fort Harrison VA Medical Care to discuss ongoing staffing challenges with retaining medical providers.
  • On Monday, February 25th I met with Joe Parsetich of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). We discussed ways to improve health care, provide coverage for veterans exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to ensure our Blue Water Navy veterans get access to care alongside their shore-based comrades.
At the David Thatcher VA Clinic naming ceremony. 

REPRESENTING MONTANA AT THE CAPITOL

On February 5th, I was pleased to join Senator Tester to introduce S.257 Tribal HUD-VASH Act of 2019. This Bill would provide rental assistance for homeless or at-risk Indian Veterans.

On Thursday, February 21st I had the privilege of joining Montana hero, David Thatcher’s family in a ceremony renaming the Missoula VA Clinic in his honor. The ceremony occurred after Congress passed my bill to rename Montana VA facilities after heroic veterans.

Best Wishes,

Steve Daines
United States Senate