Veterans Affairs News
The Daily Signal provides coverage of how America serves its veterans, including reporting on reforms, challenges, and success stories within the VA system.
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Marco Rubio on How to Reform the VA
EXETER, N.H.—Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said that veterans should be able to choose between receiving care at a Veterans Affairs facility or from a private provider during a town hall hosted by Concerned Veterans for America in New Hampshire yesterday. Pete Hegseth, the CEO of Concerned Veterans for America, introduced Rubio and praised his efforts…Kate Scanlon -
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After Deaths of Veterans, Federal Agencies Stonewall Probe of ‘Candy Man’ Doctor
A congressional investigation into a “Candy Land” physician who allegedly “doped up” and “zombified” veterans has uncovered disturbing new details. The probe has faced stonewalling and hostility from federal agencies, according to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. (See full report at the bottom of this story.) In January 2015, reports surfaced…Sharyl Attkisson -
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Home Free: Female Veterans Find Fresh Start in Los Angeles Housing Community
SAN PEDRO, Calif.—Thirty minutes south of Los Angeles, nestled into a drought-dry San Pedro hillside, sits the small townhome community of Blue Butterfly Village. Named for sharing land with a preserve for the endangered Palos Verdes blue butterfly, it’s the sort of place you’d never know was there unless you were looking for it. Even…Madaline Donnelly -
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Rick Perry Pledges to Work for Veterans ‘Until I Take My Last Breath’
NASHUA, N.H.—Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry promised during a campaign stop today that he would reform the Department of Veterans Affairs if elected president of the United States. Perry, speaking at Nashua Community College in New Hampshire, pledged to work for veterans “until I take my last breath.” “If you elect me your president, there…Kate Scanlon -
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‘The Last Patrol’: Filmmaker Examines How Veterans Adjust to Civilian Life
The Heritage Foundation and National Review are co-hosting a screening of “The Last Patrol” on Thursday. “The Last Patrol” is a documentary by Sebastian Junger, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker, journalist and best-selling author. The film explores how combat veterans readjust to civilian life after returning home from war. In an interview with The Daily Signal, Junger…Kate Scanlon -
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Conservative Lawmaker Seeks Answers From the VA on Misleading Statements
Earlier this week, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing in order to try and answer lingering questions about mismanagement at the Department of Veterans Affairs. During the hearing, Rep. Tim Huelskamp, R-Kan., questioned General Counsel Leigh Bradley about multiple misstatements made by leading VA officials. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald said…Kate Scanlon -
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Children of Fallen Veterans Get the Surprise of Their Life From NFL’s MVP
It is a surprise they will never forget. Aaron Rodgers surprises fallen veterans' children in latest #ItsAaron video http://t.co/KrvfZDj3RO pic.twitter.com/4iiZVqiP9L — Green Bay Press-Gazette (@gbpressgazette) January 28, 2015 Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, this season’s NFL most valuable player, created the #ItsAaron video campaign to shine a light on organizations and people who are…Thaleigha Rampersad -
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Audit: Va. Department of Transportation Squandered Millions on Lousy Contractor
RICHMOND, Va. — A confidential audit found that the Virginia Department of Transportation wasted millions of tax dollars by failing to fine a nonperforming contractor. The Office of the State Inspector General concluded “at least $3 million” was “wasted” by VDOT management for not holding Serco Inc. accountable for allegedly incomplete or undone work. Serco…Kenric Ward -
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Tax Incentives for Certain Va. Businesses Driving State into Debt
RICHMOND, Va. — Tax incentives for selected businesses are driving Virginia deeper into debt, and House Speaker Bill Howell says he’s committed to curbing the special breaks. “Virginia needs a tax code that encourages growth, and that means making it simpler and more transparent,” Howell, R-Falmouth, said recently. “We can eliminate those incentives and lower the…Kenric Ward -
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13 Things You Should Know About the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Its Anniversary
Thirty-two years ago today, after a week of honoring American veterans, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. With more than 4 million visitors each year, the Vietnam Memorial is a beautiful tribute to the heroes of the Vietnam War. On the anniversary of the memorial's dedication, check out our collection of photos…Kelsey Lucas -
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Reagan on Veterans Day: ‘Peace Fails When We Forget What We Stand For’
America has officially honored its veterans on Nov. 11 since 1954, when an act of Congress changed the name from Armistice Day, recognizing the 1918 ceasefire between Germany and Allied nations. Veterans Day became a federal holiday to honor those who have served in the U.S. military. The video above features excerpts from President Ronald Reagan’s Veterans Day remarks…Alex Anderson -
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Why We Served: A Thank You to Our Fellow Veterans
“Those who live today remember those who do not. Those who know freedom remember today those who gave up life for freedom.” —Ronald Reagan, Nov. 11, 1988, Veterans Day National Ceremony, Arlington National Cemetery As we pause to honor all Americans who have served in our armed forces, especially those who gave their last full…Steven Bucci -
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Veterans Are the Real 1 Percenters
Mentioning “1 percenters” conjures up images of protest and class warfare. But there is another 1 percent who are beyond politics: the men and women who serve in America’s armed forces, as well as the veterans who served before them. Despite over a decade of ceaseless war against terrorism, fewer than 1 percent of the…Bruce Klingner -
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Facing Bleak Prospects, Va. Millenials Want Government Both to Do More and Get Out of the Way
That much-mentioned, so-called millennial generation in Virginia is facing an uphill economic climb. The average student loan debt of 18- to 35-year-oldspolled by Christopher Newport University’s Wason Center for Public Policy is $33,500. Four out of five say they believe the economic challenges they face are greater than the ones their parents did at the…Kathryn Watson -
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6 Outrageous Times VA Employees Did Wrong and Still Got Paid by You
The Department of Veterans Affairs remains embroiled in a scandal that resulted in the deaths of at least 40 veterans assigned to its medical facilities. Now, a report from Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., outlines the actions of numerous VA employees who were suspended for various offenses but continued to get a salary from taxpayers. Coburn…Melissa Quinn -
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Northern Va. Community College Spent $1.3 Million on Sketchy Contracts
At least one of Virginia’s 23 community colleges has some serious shaping up to do, a recent state audit revealed. Northern Virginia Community College paid $1.3 million in hourly rates of up to $290 to a firm it didn’t even hold accountable to make good on its contracts, an audit from the state’s Auditor of…Kathryn Watson -
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After Reports of Mismanagement, VA Hospital Gets New Supply of Linens
And then there was linen. Veterans Affairs hospital officials in Shreveport, La., stocked the cabinets with linen, pajamas and towels cabinets after an investigation exposed that the hospital routinely did not have enough of these items to meet patient needs. Three employees at the Overton Brooks VA Medical Center said linens were plentiful at the 10-story…Tori Richards -
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VA Hospital Lacks Amenities for Patients, Yet Spends Millions on Solar Panels
Patients at a Veterans Affairs hospital have been going without toothbrushes, toothpaste, pajamas, sheets and blankets while department officials spend money on new Canadian-made furniture, televisions to run public service announcements and solar panels. Sources inside the Shreveport, La., hospital say patients have had to contend with substandard care, as many nurses spend less time on work than on cell…Tori Richards -
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These Veterans Served in Iraq. They Sound Off About What’s Going on There Today.
It’s hard for Americans who fought in the war in Iraq to watch the rapid advances being made there by the brutal terrorist force that calls itself the Islamic State. Military veterans of the Iraq War told The Daily Signal that they were heartened that President Obama ordered airstrikes against the Islamic State. But, most…Melissa Quinn -
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VA Compromise Bill Ignores Budget Rules and Employs Gimmicks
The chairs of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs committees made a deal on Monday to authorize $15 billion in additional spending in response to recent revelations of scandals at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). All spending in the bill would be authorized as “emergency spending,” despite several of the bill’s provisions failing to…Romina Boccia