In Case You Missed It: “ Sen. Scott traveling SC to hear veteran concerns”

Meg Kinnard Associated Press   COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Rather than relying purely on agency data, U.S. Tim Scott opted this week to go directly to South Carolina veterans, hoping to hear firsthand their concerns about the Department of Veterans Affairs and the services it provides.   On Friday, the Republican was scheduled to travel to several cities throughout the state, holding what he calls "listening sessions" with veterans' groups in North Charleston, Greenville, and Lexington and planning to take the information back to Senate colleagues studying the issue.   "We are looking forward to hearing just one thing: the truth," Scott told The Associated Press this week. "Our goal is to uncover what our veterans face at VAs throughout our state ... and hopefully improve the quality of life for our veterans." … "I don't know that simply replacing the secretary of the VA is the way that you get a solution," Scott said. "I think it's a part of the challenge."   Last week, a report by the VA's inspector general found that 1,700 Phoenix-area veterans were "at risk of being lost or forgotten" after being kept off the official waiting list. Acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson traveled to Phoenix on Thursday to meet with staff at Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center and said the agency would release nationwide data on patient wait times next week. … For Scott, the interest in veterans' issues is more than just professional. His father retired from the U.S. Air Force, and two brothers have served decades of active duty in the military.   "With veterans living in every corner of the country, is there a way to complement the current VA with greater access to specialists and care if you're not close to a VA?" Scott asked. "There is no Republican or Dem solution. We're looking for a veteran-specific solution."   The full article is available HERE. ###