Robert Neeld
Democrat for Congress

The Issues

Our Military Veterans

As Americans, we have to do a much better job of providing a wide range of benefits and services for the men and women who have risked their lives in defense of our nation and our freedom.

Historically, the Congress has paved the way for veterans to buy their own homes through VA-guaranteed loans and to secure a college education through the GI Bill.

I am very proud to say that the Democratic Party was and continues to be at the forefront in honoring Americans who have served our great country faithfully and courageously.

On far too many occasions, however, our veterans are caught between a rock and a hard place when it actually comes down to receiving medical care – even of the routine variety. And, sadly, the GOP-controlled Congress has set up the VA for even more cuts.

For example, if a veteran visiting from Chicago runs out of a prescription that regulates a cardiovascular illness, that veteran would be required by the VA to return to Chicago to visit with a VA doctor in order to get his or her prescription refilled.

Ask yourself: what’s wrong with this picture?

As one of my first acts as your United States Representative, I will introduce legislation that will make it much easier for our veterans to get quality medical attention.

First, my legislation will empower the VA to negotiate fees for service with the medical profession, nationally, so that medical providers and hospitals can be assured to prompt payment for their services in behalf of our veterans.

Second, veterans will get a card from the VA that will entitle them to receive prompt medical care and treatment by all participating medical care providers, and by the hospitals, wherever they may be, either at home or on vacation.

Third, to encourage higher-quality care, medical providers who specialize in the treatment of the most common symptoms and illnesses experienced by our vets will get special tax credits -- plus help in repaying their medical school loans.

My goal: create a system of incentives, administered by the VA at the direction of Congress, to afford our vets higher-quality medical care, nationally.