Peace Garden News

Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, appeared before the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to discuss the future of the VA. The department is responsible for providing healthcare and benefits to millions of U.S. Armed Forces veterans.

Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) highlighted a widespread healthcare labor shortage, suggesting it could be partially mitigated through partnerships between the VA and rural providers. He noted that North Dakota has 36 Critical Access Hospitals but only five VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics.

Cramer illustrated the travel challenges faced by veterans in rural areas, using Fortuna, North Dakota as an example. Residents must travel 412 miles to reach the nearest VA Hospital in Fargo, which takes over six hours without breaks.

He pointed out that North Dakota’s critical access hospitals often have available capacity that could help reduce backlogs at VA facilities. Cramer emphasized the need to better utilize existing infrastructure to benefit veterans and struggling rural hospitals.

“I don't disagree with you at all,” said Secretary Collins. “I think it's just a matter of using all the resources that we have.”

Cramer also addressed workforce needs at the VA, noting 52,000 new positions were added between 2021 and 2024. He questioned whether this increase had improved healthcare services for veterans.

“Yeah, I don’t think so,” responded Collins. “Ten years ago...you would have thrown a party...Well, we're 10 years later, and we're still experiencing the same thing.”

Cramer concluded by stressing the importance of having an honest discussion about improving services for veterans through real data analysis.

“I think everybody on this committee wants to have an honest discussion about how to do better for our veterans,” he said.