Dear Friends,
This Father's Day, I want to take a moment to recognize the important role fathers play in our community. Whether it is a biological father, an adoptive father, a mentor, or another family member who steps in to fill a void, fathers give children the support they need to be successful in life.
No one knows a father's role in a child's life better than I. My dad has been an exceptional influence on me since the day I was born and without him, I never could have become the person I am today.
I am thankful for the lifetime of wisdom and care he has given me, and as of father of two wonderful children of my own, I try as hard as possible to be a similarly positive influence on their lives.
Like many of you, I have had many different jobs in my life, but none of those jobs is as important as the job of being good parents to our children.
The attentive, patient, and kind people that so many of you are gives me great hope for the future of this Nation. I have no doubt that the next generation of Americans will continue to keep this country great, and so much of that will be a result of the guidance you provide your children.
Trusting the System
This week, I wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) urging him to appoint a permanent Medical Center Director for the Central Arkansas Veterans Health System (CAVHS).
Improving services for veterans has been a major focus for Congress and the Administration. Considerable resources have been spent to ensure higher quality of healthcare and better access to that care. However, when VA healthcare networks are operating without permanent leadership, veterans begin to lose trust in the system and recent bipartisan reforms are in vain.
The interim director, Dr. Margie Scott, has done a commendable job in this role. However, there is a limit to how effective she -- or any interim director -- can be. Without permanent leadership, there is no permanent plan for success, and without a permanent plan for success we run the risk of failing to provide our veterans with the access to care they need. I am hopeful we can have a resolution here soon, and I am ready to work with the Secretary to give our veterans in central Arkansas the level of certainty they deserve.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill |
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