FROM THE BLOG: PA CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS LOOK FOR ANSWERS IN PHILADELPHIA VA CONTROVERSY  

Yesterday, Senator Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) convened a special field hearing of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs in an effort to determine what went wrong with the Philadelphia VA Hospital's prostate cancer treatment unit late in June. To view a list of witnesses from yesterday’s hearing and to read their statements, Click Here.

Last week, stories broke nationally about the Philadelphia VA's "rogue cancer unit," which appeared to lack proper oversight for its brachytherapy program to treat prostate cancer. Yesterday's hearing presented a much different story about the Philadelphia VA and the doctor embroiled in the controversy, University of Pennsylvania Dr. Gary Kao, who was contracted by the Philadelphia VA to perform brachytheraphy. Reps. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) and John Adler (D-N.J.) joined Specter to preside over the hearing and ask pointed questions of each witness.

VA has come under fire in the last few months over several key oversight issues. AMVETS leaders are keeping a close eye on the situation, ensuring that VA delivers appropriate care to all affected veterans. READ MORE.