Washington, D.C. -  A report issued today by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) at the request of Congresswoman Hilda L. Solis (D-CA) concludes that while the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is meeting minimum standards for language access and culturally competent services to veterans, demands for such services are expected to grow.  The report is part of Solis’ effort to ensure VA services meet the growing needs of our nation’s diverse military. Solis was joined in requesting the report by Congressman Michael Michaud (D-ME) and Congressman John Salazar (D-CO).

In September 2005, the GAO reported that only 20 percent of VA beneficiaries are minorities despite comprising more than 33 percent of the nation’s armed forces.  Today’s report release confirms that based on the increasingly diverse background of the active duty military population, the demand for language access services from the VA is expected to grow as service members transition from active duty to veteran status.

“While I commend the VA for the steps it has taken to address the needs of minority veterans and their families, the GAO report confirms that the department must do more to meet the needs of minority veterans.  We owe it to our veterans, regardless of their race or ethnicity, to provide them with the highest quality care,” said Solis.

Solis has been fighting to ensure that the VA meets the needs of Latino and other minority veterans who often face cultural and linguistic barriers to adequate care. In response to inquiries she made in 2005, the VA acknowledged it was failing to comply with Executive Order 13166, which requires all federal agencies to ensure that limited English proficient persons can access their services.  At that time, 40 percent of the VA’s facilities did not have a policy in place to help LEP veterans and their families. Since then the VA has improved its services to LEP individuals, but the new GAO report confirms the need for the agency to continue this growth or our veterans’ health needs will not be met.

“Veterans need to be made aware of the services that are available to them with properly targeted and visible outreach,” said Chairman Bob Filner, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.  “Supporting our troops does not end once they return home from combat – supporting our troops means providing the benefits they have earned while serving our country.  No veteran should go without care, regardless of race, ethnicity, or gender.” 

Solis is the author of H.R. 542, the Culturally Competent Veteran Care Act, which would require the VA to implement a system by which persons with limited English proficiency can access services provided by the VA. The House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a hearing on this legislation in early 2007.

“As we prepare for Fourth of July celebrations across the nation, we must pause and consider the growing needs of our nation’s diverse service members. The actions of the VA today will determine the long-term health of our veterans and our nation. I strongly urge the VA to improve outreach to beneficiaries and to ensure that the special needs of our young veterans are being met,” said Solis.

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