Serving our nation's veterans

Last week, our nation took time to thank, honor, and remember the men and women who sacrificed -- and continue to sacrifice -- for our great nation.

In parades and services, we saluted the courage, resolve, and love of country exemplified by those who wore and wear our nation's uniform, as well as their families and loved ones. We celebrated their service -- from those who served in World War II and Korea, to those who defend freedom around the world today.

Our liberty is owed to the bravery of our veterans. Nebraska has approximately 165,000 veterans -- many of whom live in the Third District. According to a recent study, some rural areas can have as many as two veterans for every 100 adults, by far the highest proportion in the country.

About three million veterans enrolled in the VA Health Care System live in rural areas and often times faces challenges to accessing care and services. Distances and long wait times are continuing hardships they should not have to bear.

Veterans in rural areas deserve the same quality care offered to those living in urban population centers, which is why I co-founded the Rural Veterans Caucus -- to give a voice to veterans who are too often overlooked.

I also have worked to establish an Office of Rural Health within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Office of Rural Health works to refine policies to improve care and services for rural veterans and to improve health care for enrolled rural veterans. For more on the Office of Rural Health, visit http://www.ruralhealth.va.gov.

Recent action in the House of Representatives puts our veterans' care at risk. On November 9, 2009, the House of Representatives narrowly passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), legislation which will reduce Medicare spending by nearly $500 billion over the next ten years. This legislation could significantly affect veterans' health care.

Current law bases rates for TRICARE (the Department of Defense's health care program for members of the uniformed services, their families, and survivors) on Medicare rates, and reducing the growth of Medicare payments to hospitals and health care providers could trigger a similar reduction in TRICARE payments.

In turn, the number of doctors accepting new TRICARE patients or continuing to serve the program could sharply reduce. This sudden loss of access would be devastating to veterans and their dependents, particularly those who are elderly or reside in rural areas.

While I fully support sound health care legislation which will promote affordable health care coverage, I have serious concerns this bill will put the federal government between America's servicemembers and their doctors. For a number of reasons, including the threat this measure posed to our veterans, I voted against this bill.

Congress owes these men and women our very best. Ensuring our nation's veterans receive the care they deserve is critically important. It is but one of the rewards our nation owes to those who have selflessly served our nation.