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WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn hosted Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Anthony J. Principi, in his Washington office Friday to discuss the pending CARES Commission report, Texas VA facilities, and the needs of Texas veterans.“We had a great meeting about the healthcare facilities for veterans in the state of Texas, and it looks like Texas will do very well under the proposed realignment of VA health care services,” Cornyn said following the meeting. “But there are some items of particular concern, and our visit was an opportunity to continue expressing the needs of Texans straight to the top, an effort that will not end with this meeting.”Cornyn continued: “While many positive recommendations have been made to improve health care delivery to our veterans in Texas, I remain concerned about the possible closure of the VA facilities in Waco and Big Spring, and a significant reduction in service at the Kerrville facility,” Cornyn said. “Sec. Principi is well aware of those concerns, and what Texas veterans expect for the future.”Cornyn has been very active in working to prevent the possible closure of the VA facilities in Waco and Big Spring. He joined other members of the Texas delegation in September for a meeting in Washington with Dr. Robert Roswell, Under Secretary of Health for the Department of Veterans Affairs, to discuss the future of the Big Spring VA Medical Center. He joined in sending separate Congressional letters of support for the Waco and Big Spring VA Medical Centers to Everett Alvarez, Jr., Chairman of the CARES Commission, which will make a recommendation to Principi, on the future of the facilities. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Cornyn serves on the subcommittees for Personnel, Emerging Threats and Capabilities, Readiness and Management Support, and the Strategic Subcommittee.“We must ensure that the policies we set for the VA are in the best interest of the veterans of Texas and across America, and to make sure that every veteran gets the healthcare that they the need and which they have earned by their faithful and loyal service to the people of the United States of America.,” Cornyn said. I appreciate Sec. Principi’s actions on behalf of our veterans, and his efforts to improve access to healthcare for all veterans. His assistance will be invaluable as we continue working toward increasing access for Texas veterans.”For a bio on Sec. Principi, visit: http://www1.va.gov/opa/bios/index.cfm?template=Art_ArtInternet&id=29