Gonzalez Sends Letter Highlighting Need for VA Hospital in Rio Grande Valley

Texas Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Veteran Affairs, Denis R. McDonough, highlighting the need for a VA hospital in the Rio Grande Valley.

"I write to shed light on a pervasive issue that continues to affect over 20,000 veterans in the 34th Congressional District of Texas and thousands more throughout the Rio Grande Valley. As you know, the Rio Grande Valley lacks a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital."

Texas has the largest veteran population in the nation, as well as a large active-duty population. Additionally, the state leads the nation in PACT Act claims.

"Furthermore, the Rio Grande Valley is a community on the rise. Our population consisting of over 1.3 million is expected to double by 2045, which will further strain the VA healthcare system in South Texas as more servicemembers retire and veterans relocate," reads the letter.

Because of the lack of essential workers and healthcare workers in the region, Rep. Gonzalez warned McDonough of a potential strain put on the healthcare system's infrastructure.

"South Texas is a medically underserved region. According to the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, the Rio Grande Valley is projected to have the state’s greatest percentage of unmet demand for nurses and a severe shortage of physicians by 2032."

The Texas congressman emphasized the difficulty Texas veterans have had when it comes to getting to the closest VA hospital to the Valley which is 300 miles away.

"Centers such as the VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System in Harlingen, Texas, provide a great service to our community but are limited in the services they can provide. Additionally, I am aware and tracking ongoing lease disputes pertaining to VA clinics in my district and the local university, which if terminated, will disrupt care and the well-being of all veterans in South Texas."

"It is past time we address this issue and provide adequate healthcare to veterans in the Rio Grande Valley. The veterans of the Rio Grande Valley who have put life and limb on the line deserve access to the same services that other Texas veterans have. A VA hospital will serve the existing population and accommodate our region’s continued exponential growth. Therefore, I urge your attention to this matter and address this shortfall. I look forward to your response and working together to address the needs our veterans."

Rep. Gonzalez has been busy recently. Last month, the congressman joined 298 lawmakers in calling for a hearing of the Social Security Fairness Act before the Ways and Means Committee.

"Getting rid of the Windfall Elimination Provision is a bipartisan issue effecting our hardworking teachers, police, firefighters, & other public servants. @WaysandMeansGOP it’s time to bring this issue to the table & secure the retirement of those who chose a path of service."