Senator Richard Burr: Highway Bill, Veterans Waiting for Care, Medicare


This past week, the Senate Environment and Public Works committee included two pieces of my legislation in the highway bill, which will improve and expand North Carolina’s infrastructure on I-44 and US 70. Not only is this a boon to the North Carolinians living along the corridors, but also for all of those who will have better access to our state, whether it’s to do business or to visit our scenic treasures. You can read the text of the legislation here.
 
Last week, Washington Post reported on this disturbing statistic: One year after the VA scandal, the number of veterans waiting for care is up 50%. I’ve been using these words a lot in relation to the VA, but this is totally inexcusable. A year later, under new leadership and with billions more dollars, the VA can’t seem to fulfill its primary mission, serving our veterans. I have to agree with the Speaker Boehner that “[t]he VA’s problem isn’t funding – it’s outright failure. Absolute failure to take care of our veterans. Maybe the VA wouldn’t jump from crisis to crisis if it actually had a long-term plan to clean up this mess. 
 
The Senate Finance Committee passed my legislation to make better, more cutting edge technologies available to Medicare recipients this week. Medicare doesn’t always recognize innovations in health care, which is leaving our seniors behind in getting the latest medical technology. Passing this bill sends the clear signal that seniors should be able to benefit from the best American innovation has to offer. These innovative disposable products help patients heal faster, and this legislation increases access to some of these ground-breaking technologies so seniors can enjoy a better quality of life. You can read more about this legislation here and watch my comments on this new legislation here.
 
Finally, Wednesday I introduced a resolution naming the daisy as the official flower for military caregivers. Caregivers play an important role in caring for injured veterans, both physically and emotionally, and often at great personal sacrifice. The family members and loved ones who serve as primary caregivers are rarely acknowledged for their hard work and compassion. The daisy symbolizes unwavering loyalty and love and is a fitting symbol of military families and their sacrifices in sustaining our nation.

        Sincerely,

        Richard Burr