Duval Times

TAMPA, Fla.—Senator Rick Scott hosted a U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging field hearing in Tampa to address the critical issues facing veterans in terms of their access to care, services, and economic opportunity. The hearing, titled "Veterans Access to Care, Services, and Economic Opportunity," aimed to discuss various challenges that veterans face, including scheduling delays, transitioning from active duty to civilian life, and access to facilities and resources for disabled veterans.

Several notable individuals joined Senator Scott at the hearing, including Representatives Gus Bilirakis, Laurel Lee, and Anna Paulina Luna. The witnesses who provided valuable insights during the hearing were State Senator Jay Collins, David Harris from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Sharon Silas from the Government Accountability Office, Teresa Galgano from the Blinded Veterans Association, and Gregg Laskoski from K9 Partners for Patriots, Inc.

Senator Rick Scott, a Navy veteran and the son of a World War II veteran, expressed his gratitude towards the attendees and thanked them for their service to the country. He emphasized his commitment to making Washington work for veterans and service members, stating, "If you put your life on the line, your government should have your back." Senator Scott also conveyed his determination to fight for the treatment and benefits that veterans have bravely earned, promising that "we will always stand with our veterans."

Representative Gus Bilirakis acknowledged the progress that has been made in ensuring veterans have access to the care and benefits they deserve but also acknowledged that more work needs to be done. He commended Senator Scott for bringing together a group of expert panelists and expressed his eagerness to learn from them about the ways Congress can better serve those who have served the nation faithfully.

Representative Anna Paulina Luna expressed her gratitude to Senator Scott for organizing the field hearing, highlighting the importance of addressing the issues veterans face beyond the battlefield. She stressed the need to improve services and access to resources for veterans through the VA, emphasizing that it is Congress's duty to ensure they receive the care they earned and deserve. Representative Luna expressed her commitment to representing the voices of the witnesses in Congress.

Representative Laurel Lee expressed her appreciation for the commitment and honor shown by veterans and their families, stating that they are the ones who keep the nation free. She thanked Senator Scott for his leadership and for hosting the field hearing, emphasizing the importance of working together to support Florida's veterans.

The field hearing provided a platform for valuable discussions and insights from experts and stakeholders, shedding light on the challenges faced by veterans in accessing care, services, and economic opportunities. It reinforced the dedication of Senator Rick Scott and other representatives to making Washington work for veterans and ensuring that they receive the support and benefits they rightfully deserve.

For more information on Senator Scott's efforts to support veterans, visit his Veterans Day Update.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2023/11/photo-release/bca944f4-6823-44fc-b93a-1e673d71344c