July 14, 2009

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs held a hearing on the adequacy of health care services VA provides to a growing number of individuals who have proudly worn the nation's uniform -- women veterans.

According to the VA, in 2007 just over 146,000 women veterans used gender-specific health care services at VA.  In 2008, despite the growing number of women veterans, there were close to 141,000 users of the system -- a decline of 3 percent from one year to the next. 

"In order to provide the quality health care our women veterans have earned, we need to know where improvements need to be made," Senator Burr added.  "It is important to ensure that the VA health care system is providing the unique services required by women veterans.  I will continue to work with my colleagues to improve the accessibility and quality of care they deserve."