Editor\u2019s note: The following is an opinion piece. The writer is not employed by Military Times and the views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of Military Times or its editorial staff, nor those of the Defense Department. <\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n
America is the greatest country in the world because of those who have put their lives on the line to defend it, and we have an obligation to serve those who have served us. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans\u2019 Affairs, I am committed to helping ensure that our veterans who have borne the battle receive quality care and services they can count on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We\u2019re all too aware of the problems of the past<\/a> that have plagued the Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>, from long wait times to a corrosive culture among employees, staffing shortages, absent leadership and inadequate care for our nation\u2019s veterans. While improvements have been made in a number of areas, we knew there was more work to do and set out to make changes to the department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the start of this Congress on Jan. 3, 2017, our committee has held more than two dozen hearings to drill down on problems confronting the VA<\/a>, to hear from officials as well as stakeholders like veterans\u2019 service organizations, and to figure out how we could work together to address the challenges facing the VA. Over the last 18 months, we have made great progress, developing legislation and building consensus on proposals that are effective and meet the needs of veterans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2017 and 2018, the Senate\u2019s efforts on behalf of our nation\u2019s veterans include the passage of 18 major pieces of veterans\u2019 legislation \u2014 all of which have been signed into law \u2014 that reform the VA and strengthen veterans\u2019 health care, benefits and services. Additionally, the Senate has confirmed 14 nominees to the VA and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims to ensure strong leadership is in place to oversee the implementation of these reforms. <\/p>\n\n\n\t