April 6, 2015

Las Vegas, NV - Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s First District wrote a letter to Elisa Basnight, Director of the Center for Women Veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs, inviting her to Las Vegas for a round-table discussion with female veterans from throughout Southern Nevada. As a member of the House Committee on Veteran Affairs, the Congresswoman has been a leading voice on behalf of female veterans. In response to Titus’ October 2014 request, the VA Committee will hold a hearing on April 30 to examine access and quality of care and services for women veterans. Additionally, Titus last month led a letter to Richard Griffin, Deputy Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs, requesting a review of VA and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) policies to better identify the needs of female veterans

“I have met with many of our community’s female veterans who have shared serious concerns with the quality and access to care they have received through the VA. As the population of female veterans continues to grow in Nevada and across the country, it is imperative that the VA take immediate action to address these issues and modernize its services to adapt to the unique needs of our nation’s female heroes,” said Titus. “I look forward to hosting Director Basnight in Las Vegas for a much needed discussion on improving care and support for Southern Nevada’s female veterans.”

The full text of the letter can be found here:

April 6, 2015

Dear Ms. Basnight,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me recently to discuss the Center for Women Veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs and ways that we can work together to improve services and access for the growing population of female veterans. As you know, this is a priority for me as I continue my work on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.

According to the VA, Nevada is home to more than 21,000 female veterans. I have been fortunate to meet with members of this community and have heard their concerns about privacy, child care, and special healthcare needs. These are issues we must address if we are to transform the VA into a customer service orientated, 21^st Century agency. The women veterans of all generations have much to add to this conversation. Accordingly, I respectfully ask that you join me in Las Vegas for a round-table discussion with female veterans from throughout Southern Nevada.

I appreciate your prompt attention to this request and look forward to welcoming you to Las Vegas in the near future.

Sincerely,

Dina Titus

Member of Congress