WASHINGTON, June 27,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America
National President Charles Brown
released the following statement in response to today's release
from a bipartisan group of Senators announcing their opposition to
the Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission moving
forward.
"Paralyzed Veterans of America supported the VA MISSION Act
which established the AIR process. However, we have been concerned
about the delays in standing up the AIR Commission and have had
ongoing concerns regarding the validity of VA's recommendations and
the data on which they rested. We appreciate the commitment
expressed today by a bipartisan group of Senators to ensuring VA's
infrastructure allows the department to meet the needs of veterans
with catastrophic disabilities both now and in the future even as
they oppose further action on the AIR Commission. Moving forward,
we call on Congress to implement needed reforms to help the VA
better manage its infrastructure and provide significant financial
investments to ensure that the SCI/D system of care and the broader
VA health care system are able to fully meet the needs of all
catastrophically disabled veterans, their families and
caregivers."
The MISSION Act of 2018 required the VA to conduct a nationwide
study and issue recommendations for future investments in VA health
care facilities to the AIR Commission (PVA Executive Director
Carl Blake was nominated by the
White House to serve on the commission). The purpose of the AIR
Commission was to hold public hearings, visit VA facilities, meet
with employees and VA partners, and listen to veterans to help them
assess VA's recommendations and then make any changes deemed
necessary before submitting the recommendations to the President
for further consideration.
About Paralyzed Veterans of America
Paralyzed Veterans
of America is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and the only congressionally
chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the
benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or
diseases. The organization ensures veterans receive the benefits
earned through service to our nation; monitors their care in VA
spinal cord injury units; and funds research and education in the
search for a cure and improved care for individuals with
paralysis.
As a life-long partner and advocate for veterans and all people
with disabilities, PVA also develops training and career services,
works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, and
provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and
recreation. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed
Veterans of America serves veterans, their families, and their
caregivers in all 50 states, the District
of Columbia and Puerto
Rico. Learn more at PVA.org.
Contact: Oname Thompson
OnameT@pva.org
Cell: (703) 864-5980
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SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America