Associated Press - September 10, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) - Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter is urging her House colleagues to ensure New Hampshire veterans have access to in-state medical care.

Shea-Porter testified Tuesday before the House Committee on Veterans Affairs in support of her legislation, the Veterans Equity Act. The bill ensures veterans in the 48 contiguous states access to at least one full service Veterans Administration hospital or to comparable services provided by contract. New Hampshire is the only state without a full-service VA hospital or access to care at a comparable military facility.

Shea-Porter called it disgraceful that many of New Hampshire's oldest and sickest veterans are forced to travel out of state for care.

New Hampshire Congressman Paul Hodes said he strongly supports Shea-Porter's bill.