In light of recent discoveries about Veterans Affairs scandals in Arizona, on top of drawn out challenges the department has been facing, U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) has launched a new initiative to solicit feedback from Central Valley constituents on how they would fix the VA.

Denham wants to “hear from his constituents” exactly what they think it will take to change the system.

“We’ll be having a series of committee hearings in the coming months concerning the changes that must be made at the VA,” said Denham. “As I have the opportunity to ask my questions of VA witnesses and hear testimony from those involved with the recent scheduling scandal, I want to ask them about the stories of the people I represent. I want to know what they’ve experienced and use their ideas as I work to get all of our veterans the care they deserve.”

Denham, an Air Force veteran, is the lone Central Valley representative on the Veterans Affairs committee. According to his office, Denham will be using the feedback he receives to develop new legislation. He will question representatives of the VA and share information with his colleagues as the committee works to address what his website refers to as “the gross mismanagement of the VA.”

District residents can contact Denham with their stories and how they would rebuild the VA through his website.

In May, Denham introduced the Veterans Need Timely Access to Care Act, H.R. 4779, which would speed up health care access for veterans nationwide. He was also an original co-sponsor of the Veterans Access to Care Act, H.R. 4810, which passed the House last week and introduced the Quicker Benefits Delivery Act in May as well, which would help reduce the VA backlog by allowing local doctors to conduct disability medical examinations for veterans.