Rep. Gus Bilirakis Calls on Obama to Make Good on His Promise to Veterans

In this week’s Republican address, Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), vice chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, shared the steps House Republicans have been taking to improve the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) and hold it accountable.

"This week, the House passed legislation that funds the VA. In it, we have used our constitutional authority to hold the VA accountable,” Rep. Bilirakis said. “That means making the VA meet requirements for improving electronic health records. It means adding hundreds of new employees to tackle claims appeals. And it means prohibiting all VA Senior Executive Service Managers from receiving bonuses."

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Bilirakis addressed what he claimed to be President Barack Obama's failure to "keep his word" and enact "real and meaningful reforms" at the VA.

"It has been nearly two years since VA Secretary Eric Shinseki resigned amid a series of scandals," the Florida congressman said. "At the time, the president said — and I quote — 'The number one priority is making sure that problems get fixed.'"

"But problems have not been fixed," Bilirakis continued, "and it’s not clear whether it’s a priority for this administration."

Republican front-runner Donald Trump has made veterans' rights one of the major focuses of his campaign. According to recent findings, however, the billionaire businessman has reported inaccurate information about fundraising efforts his campaign has led to benefit American servicemen.

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