BATTLE CREEK, Mich. -- West Michigan Congressman Bill Huizenga says steps are being taken at the Veterans Administration to improve services and reduce the backlog.
The Fourth District Republican says he attended a veterans' roundtable Tuesday evening with V.A. Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence in Battle Creek.
"This was really good to have veterans bring up their real-world concerns to him directly, and not just to try to solve their problem, but to solve overarching problems," Huizenga said on West Michigan's Morning News.
Huizenga told WOOD Radio that legislation making its way through Congress aims to enhance mental health care for veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
"How do we make sure that these wounded warriors aren't just being treated for the visible wounds? What are those invisible wounds?" he asked.
Huizenga said the goal of holding public roundtables is not to provide a photo opportunity but to take real steps to make a difference.
"I believe that this is a sacred oath that we have taken with our veterans is, you're going to protect our country, and we're going to protect you as best as we possibly can. And it's heartbreaking when you see the system fail," Huizenga told host Steve Kelly.
The Veterans Mental Health Crisis Referral Enhancement Act of 2025 would establish a three-year pilot program for Vet Centers and VA facility to refer veterans in mental-health crisis to non-VA providers.
According to Congress.gov, some other bills focus on improving outreach efforts by the V.A. so that veterans are aware of available mental-health services. That includes mental healthcare for disabled veterans and making sure that all states are providing sufficient mental health support for veterans.
"And it's not just about adding staff. It's not just about adding a number. It's about what are you doing those staff, what are you doing with that bank account that's trying to take care of those men and women," Huizenga said.
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Photo: Source: Congressman Huizenga's office via social media.