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The Honorable Lamar Smith Dear Representative Smith: There is a move being orchestrated by Representative
Ortiz to have the VA take over the operation of the Naval Hospital in
Corpus Christi. A recent
study, completed by the STVHCS, clearly shows that this is an action that
should not take place. The facility in Corpus Christi, in which the VA
Clinic operates out of, is owned by the VA and currently provides medical
service to about 5000 patients. The
Naval Hospital has reduced the medical part of the building to only the
first floor and the rest of the building is occupied by numerous other
agencies and organizations. The
study clearly shows it is not economical or practical to try and covert
this facility into a VA facility. Such
a move would have a severe impact on the budget of the STVHCS and
specifically the Kerrville VA Hospital.
In addition, the naval facility is not as convenient for the
Veterans as the VA Clinic now being used. Therefore, I request you work with Representative
Ortiz and the Navy to reach another solution for the Corpus Christi Naval
Hospital and not punish the Veterans in South Texas with such an action. Sincerely,
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