(Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Cathy McMorris (WA-05) announced today that Veterans Affairs Secretary James Nicholson has accepted her invitation to visit Walla Walla in January and tour the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

“I am extremely pleased that Secretary Nicholson has decided to tour the Walla Walla veterans hospital and see first hand how crucial it is to ensure continued veteran health care for our region,” said McMorris. “My top priority is protecting our veteran’s access to quality, affordable health care. This visit will be pivotal in influencing Secretary Nicholson’s decision as to the type of health care that is provided in this area. I feel strongly that we as a community need to coalesce around a small number of options, and present them to the Secretary with a united voice. I look forward to the joining with the LAP and the local task force in furthering those options that will ensure a continuum of care.”

McMorris has taken numerous steps to ensure that veterans receive the care they deserve. She has spoken with Senator Larry Craig, Chairman of the Veteran’s Affairs Committee in U.S. Senate, concerning veteran health care needs in Walla Walla and the surrounding service areas of Northeast Oregon and parts of Idaho. The Congresswoman has also worked with Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell and Congressman Greg Walden. She has toured the VA facility in Walla Walla, and held meetings with the CARES Commission and Local Advisory Panel. In Congress she has voted to provide $975 million in additional funds for veteran health care programs, supported appropriations to improve military quality of life, and voted in favor of the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2005.

A specific date for the Secretary’s January visit has yet to be determined.