WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI), Chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, held a hearing today on pending veterans' health care legislation.  The bills discussed at today's hearing included proposals for veterans young and old, from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to those who served in prior conflicts.

"Today's hearing brought us one step closer to delivering crucial legislation that will improve VA's ability to fulfill its mission in the years to come, by providing veterans with critical health care services and improving the long-term wellbeing of the Department," said Akaka.

Witnesses from veteran service organizations and other groups spoke in support of pending health care legislation introduced by Senator Akaka, including:

• S. 2926, Veterans Nonprofit Research and Education Corporations Enhancement Act of 2008: This bill would modernize the nonprofit research corporations associated with VA, and would improve oversight.  
• S. 2969, Veterans' Medical Personnel Recruitment and Retention Act of 2008:  This bill would give VA additional tools to attract and retain health care providers as VA faces a wave of retirements.  
• S. 2796, regarding community-based pilot programs:  This bill would establish partnerships between VA and community organizations to help VA connect with underserved veterans.  

Today's hearing was the second legislative hearing held by the Committee this month.  The Committee is scheduled to meet in June to consider which legislation to send to the full Senate.

Chairman Akaka's opening statement can be viewed here.

The full witness list is available here. 

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