Increased Staffing in VA Compromise Legislation a Major Victory for Veterans' Care

WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Federation of Government Employees President J. David Cox Sr., issued the following statement after the House and Senate passed legislation to strengthen resources and accountability within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):

"We applaud Senator Sanders for his leadership and persistence in delivering this transformative legislation for the largest and most important health care system in America. This legislation is a critical first step in providing the agency with the emergency resources it needs to fulfill our nation's promise to veterans. We urge the VA to act as fast as possible to fill vacant positions, open closed hospital beds, and deliver timely VA care to those who need it.

"AFGE honors the brave union activists and whistleblowers who risked their livelihoods to speak out and do what is right for our veterans. For years AFGE members had been working tirelessly to address these deficiencies through Congressional testimony and local facility actions. With the passage of the Sanders-Miller VA healthcare bill it is clear that those actions brought about change in the right direction. In return for their service, we must honor them by tackling head-on the culture of fear and retaliation at the VA. No one should have to risk their career to do the right thing.

AFGE looks forward to being a key partner in implementing this legislation and restoring America's promise to our veterans."

The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 670,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia.

For the latest AFGE news and information, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, iTunes and YouTube!

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SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees

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