This week, from his perch as vice chairman of the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., focused on veterans issues this week.
On Wednesday, Bilirakis, one of the co-chairs of the Hellenic Caucus, drew on classical Grecian history, to bring out the VA Guidance for Organizational Reform and Data Integrity for Accountability Needs Key for Necessary and Optimal Transformation (“GORDIAN KNOT”) Act. Legend has it that the Gordian Knot was a puzzle based in Phrygia and, whoever would untie the knot, would be the master of Asia. Confronted with the knot, Alexander the Great cut it apart with his sword.
According to Bilirakis’ office, the proposal “focuses on key areas of improvement within the agency, like enhancing the transparency of data collected and reported, and ensuring greater accountability overall.”
Bilirakis made the case for his bill on Thursday.
“For too long, the VA has managed to get by with a culture of mediocrity. The GORDIAN KNOT Act will help untangle some of the agency’s core problems: lack of accountability and manipulation of data,” said Bilirakis. “In order to help the VA achieve its mission to care for veterans, we need accurate, transparent data to properly address its shortcomings and enhance its successes. I believe this is absolutely necessary when it comes to reforming the agency tasked with serving our true American heroes.”
Also this week, Bilirakis brought out the Veterans Early Treatment for Chronic Ailment Resurgence through Examinations (VET CARE) Act which expands dental care for veterans, creating a four year pilot program. Currently, only fully disabled veterans or those with service related injuries get dental benefits through the VA.
“Our veterans have sacrificed so much on behalf of our country, they deserve access to high quality health care, and that includes dental care,” said Bilirakis when he brought out that proposal earlier this week. “The VET CARE Act will get the ball rolling to expand access to dental care for our nation’s heroes, and could result in lower overall health care costs for the VA. Not only is this legislation good for veterans, it’s good for the VA as a whole.”
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