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Sen. Schumer Launches Fight To Give Vets Better Access To Health Care

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Senator Charles Schumer has launched a fight to pass bipartisan legislation that would give veterans better access to health care.

Sen. Schumer Launches Fight To Give Vets Better Access To Health Care

Long delays and cover-ups at the VA hospital in Phoenix are a red flag, Schumer said. He told a group of reporters that included 1010 WINS' Roger Stern, that action is important for the 350,000 vets living in the New York area.

"Even if here in New York we have a fraction of the problems that they had in Phoenix, we should act," Sen. Schumer said.

The Senate bill would allow the VA to fire poor administrators, hire more doctors and nurses, and open additional facilities.

"We'll do right by our veterans, forget the partisanship, and pass this bill quickly," Schumer added.

The proposed legislation would allow for the immediate firing of incompetent, high level officials, expedite the hiring of new medical personnel, allow the VA to lease new medical facilities, give veterans living in remote locations better access to private care, and improve the scheduling of appointments.

The bill it set to come up for a vote within the next two weeks.

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