Veterans Administration Archives • Alabama Political Reporter

VA encourages support for veterans as suicides increase

High rates of veteran suicides across the country, and especially in Alabama, were seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, and have only gotten worse since the public health crisis, but there’s work underway to bring awareness and aid. The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System’s Be There campaign aims to remind veterans and their loved ones … Continued

September 2, 2020

Alabama lab authorized by FDA to do widespread COVID-19 testing

Golden Point Scientific Labs of Hoover has doubled its testing capacity and received FDA authorization to conduct widespread testing for COVID-19, giving health providers and community organizations a new alternative to identify those who have been exposed to the virus. Golden Point Scientific Labs will partner with a range of agencies and providers to offer … Continued

May 5, 2020

Jones celebrates impending elimination of military widows tax

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, hosted a press conference at the Birmingham International Airport to celebrate the U.S. House of Representatives’ vote to eliminate the Military Widow’s Tax. Jones’s legislation to end the tax was included in the National Defense Authorization Act that was passed by the U.S. House last week. The elimination of the … Continued

December 17, 2019

Moore, Pringle praise rules protecting Bibles, Christmas trees in VA hospitals

Thursday, Former Chief Justice Roy Moore (R) and Congressional candidate State Representative Chris Pringle (R-Mobile) both praised new rules for the Veterans Administration protecting Bibles in VA hospitals and allowing Christmas decorations. “I am very happy to see that President Trump and Vice President Pence are moving to restore the right of military veterans to … Continued

December 6, 2019

Tuberville discusses the issues with APR

Former Auburn football coach turned U.S. Senate candidate Tommy Tuberville was in Clanton at the Hickory Chip Restaurant for a meet and greet with Chilton County community leaders Friday. Tuberville is running for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama. Tuberville agreed to speak to the Alabama Political Reporter about his positions on … Continued

July 15, 2019

Jones calls for investigation into Huntsville veterans nursing home

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, has requested a thorough investigation into recent allegations of neglect at the Floyd E. “Tut” Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville. Jones sent a letter to the VA Inspector General calling on him to investigate allegations of abuse and negligence at Tut Fann State Veterans Home In the letter to … Continued

March 19, 2019

Jones, Gardner introduce legislation to help student veterans recover unpaid costs

U.S. Senators Doug Jones, D-Alabama, and Cory Gardner, R-Colorado, introduced the Fix Immediately Outstanding Underpayments (IOUs) for Student Veterans Act. The sponsors say that the legislation will force the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay student veterans money they are entitled to, but did not receive because of the VA’s own error. Veterans … Continued

December 6, 2018

Sen. Doug Jones questions VA decision not to pay full GI benefits to Veterans and their families

Friday, U.S. Senator Doug Jones wrote a letter to VA under Secretary for Benefits Paul Lawrence, who oversees GI Bill benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), seeking answers on behalf of Alabama veterans about the department’s failure to pay thousands of veterans the GI Bill benefits they have earned. Jones’ action followed … Continued

December 3, 2018

Robert Wilkie confirmed as VA secretary

Monday, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm acting secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilkie. Both Senators Doug Jones (D) and Richard Shelby (R) voted to confirm Wilkie. “Congratulations to Robert Wilkie on his confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs!” Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-Montrose) said. “I look forward to working … Continued

July 24, 2018